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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021
VOL. 130, NO. 22
Fire consumes local business Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Investigators were still working Thursday, Oct. 7, to determine the cause of a fire that tore through a downtown Clatskanie business. Firefighters of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) sped to the scene at about 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, to Jo’s Country Market, at 300 Columbia River Highway, to find the fruit stand covered in flames. Kelly Miller, Executive Director at Turning Point, was preparing to pull into her work’s parking lot, a building adjacent to Jo’s, when she witnessed the fire “immediately.” Miller arrived just as firetrucks were on scene, and Clatskanie PUD was shutting off the burning building’s power. “I turned at the stop light to come into work and saw the blaze immediately,” Miller said. “I pulled into Turning Point and started taking photos.” Jo’s has quite the history in Clatskanie, according to Greg Hinkelman, City Manager of Clatskanie, who also witnessed the fire. “I am sorry to see a long-standing business burn,” Hinkelman said. Jo’s Country Market has in past years distributed its goods at the Sunday Astoria and Cowlitz Community Farmers markets, according to its Facebook page. In an April 21, 2013 post on Facebook, Jo’s Country Market posted about its grand opening in Clatskanie, referring to the weeklong wait to open its doors as the “final countdown.” The Chief has reached out to Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District officials for specific details about the fire. We had not received a response by press time.
Courtesy photo from Kelly Miller
Flames consumed much of the structure and could be seen from blocks away.
Courtesy photo from Greg Hinkelman
Clatskanie Firefighters work to suppress the fire and keep it from spreading to nearby structures.
Courtesy photo from Greg Hinkelman
Fire crews keep their distance during the effort to control the blaze.
Council voices concerns about vaccine mandate JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Clatskanie City Council is reviewing concerns about the current state vaccination mandate issued by the governor. “This mandate brings up major concerns among the council in its effect on the retention of healthcare, first responders and other professions dictated to get the vaccine,” Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said following the council’s regular public meeting, Wednesday night, Oct. 6. “The concern is the number of people in those professions quitting their jobs instead of getting a vaccine.” Hinkelman said the city council will meet in special session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12 to consider a resolution expressing their concern about the mandate. The council also voiced the need to replant tree seedlings on a portion of the city-owned timberland. According to Hinkelman, two
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Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
The Clatskanie City Council is expressing concerns that the state mandated COVID-19 vaccinations may force some healthcare and first responders out of their jobs.
years ago the city conducted a harvest of some of the city-owned timber and replanted the property. “Unfortunately, due to the weather, especially the extreme hot-spell
in June, many of the saplings that were planted in the spring did not survive,” he said. “We are going to have to go in and do some re-planting again. The one issue we are
facing is a shortage of seedlings/ saplings due to the demand across the state for replanting as a result of the massive wildfires last year.” Following the regular public
meeting, the council moved to an executive session, a behind doors meeting to conduct Hinkelman’s annual performance evaluation. At the end of the executive session, the council reopened the public meeting and announced that they city manager would receive additional compensation. Hinkelman declined to reveal the specific details of that compensation. Hinkelman was appointed the Clatskanie City Manager in 2008. He serves the city on an ‘at will’ contract, meaning there is no specific timeline set. Hinkelman said his longevity as a city administrator can be attributed to working with both the city council and his staff. “I have always had a very good council and even when they disagree they are respectful,” he said. “I also have a great staff, small but good. It is the best working collaboration that I have ever had in my time as a manager and that makes this job much more enjoyable.” See COUNCIL Page A6
The Road to Candy: Trunk-or-Treat Oct. 31 ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), in partnership with Columbia 911 Communications District, will be making changes to its Oct. 31 Trunk-or-Treat event in view of COVID safety recommendations. In years past, local businesses, organizations, and agencies would participate by setting up candy stations at car trunks for ‘trunk-ortreaters’ and their families to visit. Rather than walk from trunk to trunk, which risks COVID-19 exposure, trick-or-treaters can now collect their candy in ‘drive-thru fashion,’ riding along to 58611 McNulty Way in St. Helens and stopping for candy at different storefronts. These businesses will put out car decorations or canopy displays to attract those participating and to restore the magic of trick-ortreating lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Support Services Clerk Malinda Duran launched the program in 2017 while working at the St. Helens Police Department. According to Duran, though the St. Helens Police Department kept the program running for three years, the agency paused the event during the pandemic. When she joined the CCSO, Duran took her idea to Sheriff Brian Pixley suggesting that the project include more of a health and safety focus. “We knew that the event could not be held in the same fashion as it previously had,” Duran said. “That is when we came up with the idea of making it a drive-thru event.” Duran came across the idea in her work as a court clerk for the City of St. Helens. She was given permission by Tina Curry, the planner of St. Helens annual Spirit of Halloweentown, to organize the event as a way for officers to relate See CCSO Page A6
Courtesy photo from CCSO
Sheriff Brian Pixley joins volunteers conducting a recent Trunk-or-Treat.
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Friday, October 8, 2021
Oregon in line for wildfire, drought relief funding fire and preventing wildfires from spreading out of control, according to Merkley. Merkley said he also used his position and his subcommittee chairmanship to ensure that wildfire recovery on public lands would not be left behind—supporting jobs in the outdoor economy, protecting drinking water supplies, and restoring habitat for salmon and other species.
STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Oregon U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley have announced the passage of critical legislation for wildfire and drought relief affecting Oregon and the West Coast. The legislation includes billions of dollars in funding for wildfire disaster response, drought relief, public lands restoration, and other critical needs for Western states that have been hit hard by record wildfires and drought in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Both the US Senate and the US House have approved the legislation, which is tied into appropriations to fund the federal government. Wyden and Merkley said the wildfire and drought relief is expected to be signed by President Biden. Merkley serves as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, one of the key subcommittees directing the funding. Major victory “Passage of this legislation is a major victory for Oregon and the entire Western United States,” Merkley said. “Our communities should not be left on their own to struggle with the aftermath of historic disasters, and this funding will go a long way in helping
The investments
Fire crews carefully navigate along this road during the Alder Creek wildfire near Scappoose in late September.
rebuild now and prevent devastating wildfires in the future. I have been looking for every possible avenue to deliver this disaster relief, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to make sure Congress does right by Oregon as we deal with fires, smoke, and drought, and to make sure the U.S. does our part to tackle the root causes of our climate crisis.” “Oregon and the West have been hit hard by the climate crisis, with temperatures soaring into the stratosphere, drought drying up our waterways and melting our mountain tops, and massive infernos devastating our communities,” Wyden said. “The funding is much-needed in helping to rebuild our communities and
make them stronger against future disaster. I’m going to keep fighting tooth and nail to make sure Oregon has the resources it needs for its continued recovery and keeping Oregonians safe from the effects of the climate emergency with climate action.” Addressing critical needs The two senators said the funding addresses many areas of critical need in helping Oregon communities recover, including: • $5 billion for Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Relief (CDBGDR). • This funding is critical for recovery from the 2020
Labor Day fires and can be used for a variety of communities pressing needs hit hard by fires—including towns burned to the ground. The funds be used to help recover from the physical damage of fires by rebuilding destroyed homes or repairing local infrastructure, and help in economic recovery through uses like workforce training or small business loans. • $200 million for the Bureau of Reclamation to assist with drought relief, including in the Klamath Basin and Central Oregon. • This funding comes as many areas of Oregon are experiencing yet another year of record drought, putting severe strain on farmers, ranchers,
Courtesy photo from Scappoose Fire
and entire communities. • $10 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide relief to agricultural producers impacted by drought, wildfire, smoke, and heat. • This will help family farms and ranches stay afloat after an extremely difficult two years, providing direct payments to cover qualified losses. Producers will be able to apply directly to the USDA to receive assistance. Merkley said he also fought to include funding to help prevent future wildfire disasters and was able to secure $230 million for hazardous fuels reduction. Hazardous fuels reduction is critical to making forests more resilient to wild-
• $1.545 billion for badly needed repair and recovery work, including debris removal, hazardous materials clean-up, and recovery and restoration of natural resources. This will include invasive species management, revegetation, critical habitat protection, burned area recovery, and watershed restoration, all of which must occur to restore these public lands to their previous state and to prevent further damage. • Funding will also be used for the repair and rehabilitation of federal facilities, roads, bridges, trails, levees, and visitor areas. These funds specifically include $1.185 billion for the Forest Service, $229.5 million for the National Park Service, $58 million for the Fish and Wildlife Service, and $26 million for the U.S. Geological Survey.
ODOT issues darkness danger caution STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Fatal crashes involving pedestrians are far more likely to take place at night when it’s harder to see people walking. In 2019, 76% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred when it was dark out, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Fatal crashes involving pedestrians are also more likely to occur away from an intersection. In 2019 in the U.S., according to NHTSA, 73% of pedestrian fatalities occurred at locations that were not intersections such as crossing in between intersections. In the U.S., 6,205 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2019. An estimated 76,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes, the
NHTSA data shows. In Oregon, the number of pedestrians killed in a motor vehicle crash increased from 79 in 2018 to 85 in 2019, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Between 20152019, 16% of all those who died in crashes were pedestrians. According to ODOT, the top driver error involved in these crashes: failing to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian. ODOT lists the following safety measures. Everyone should: • Plan ahead to avoid unplanned delays. • Know and follow traffic laws. • Be aware of their surroundings. • Pay attention to weather and road conditions and drive accordingly.
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• Focus on the task at hand: walking, rolling, biking or driving. • Drive, walk, bike or roll sober. Alcohol and drugs impair your abilities and judgment.
fore turning to see if people are trying to cross the road and to look for oncoming cars. Tips for Pedestrians
Drivers should: • Look for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists when you look for oncoming vehicles and other traffic. Be especially mindful in parking lots, at stop signs, when backing up, or parking. • Be extra cautious when driving in hard-to-see conditions or in places where you normally see people crossing such as parks, schools, shopping areas and busy intersections. • Slow down and be prepared to stop when entering a crosswalk. • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well
Courtesy photo
In 2019, 76% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. occurred when it was dark out, according to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see crossing pedestrians. • Follow the speed limit, especially around people walking and in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present. • Check all crosswalks be-
Stay alert and ditch the distractions: Keep your eyes and ears open and ditch the distractions like texting, talking on the cell phone, or listening to headphones. Cross with caution and cross at corners: Don’t assume the coast is clear just because you’re using the crosswalk and the walk sign is on. Continue to watch for traffic as you cross - especially for turning vehicles. Be clear to drivers: If you wish to cross, be sure to make eye contact with drivers. If you’re not sure the driver sees you, let the vehicle go first. Be visible: Wear bright clothing, even white cloth-
ing may not be visible at night. Add reflective material or a blinking light to your jacket or backpack or carry a flashlight at night. Be extra careful when walking at dawn or dusk. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. Face oncoming traffic and use sidewalks when they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where people driving expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, find a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to safely cross and continue watching for traffic as you cross.
•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HOCKEY ACROSS
1. Instagram handle, e.g. 6. Faux one 9. Floor cleaner or haircut, pl. 13. No such thing as a free one? 14. Middle-earth dweller 15. Like Halloween night 16. Binary digits code 17. Biathlon glider 18. Take without asking 19. *Hockey’s ____ Cup 21. *Start of play 23. End of White House URL 24. 1,000 grams 25. Spot for a massage 28. Chemistry Nobelist Otto ____ 30. *The oldest U.S.-based team in NHL 35. Bar bills 37. Denials 39. Thin Mints group, e.g. 40. Just one of British Isles 41. Low landform 43. Not in favor of 44. Slap landing 46. Dutch cheese 47. Property right 48. Kismet-related 50. “All for one, one for all”
sword 52. Shed tears 53. Old in Scottish 55. Time period 57. *Sandler as hockey player 61. *”The Great One” 65. Radio show host: “Hello, you’re ____” 66. Sea in Spain 68. Witchy woman 69. Pore in a leaf 70. *1980 Olympic “Miracle” winner 71. Ringworm 72. Gardner’s gear 73. Dashboard acronym 74. Same as sakis
DOWN
1. “Sad to say ...” 2. A deadly sin 3. Ancient Peruvian 4. Breezing through 5. Civil War battle 6. Nosegay 7. Biblical boat 8. “The Terminator” genre 9. Dole out 10. Black and white treat 11. “La Vie en rose” singer 12. Ego’s domain 15. Bodyguard, e.g.
20. *14-year NHL player, coached Whalers to playoffs, Jack ____ 22. Priest’s vestment 24. Worked the dough 25. *Hockey club 26. Ottoman title 27. More competent 29. *Great Gordie 31. Europe/Asia mountain divide 32. Not Doric nor Corinthian 33. Post-it user 34. Like a sea urchin 36. Give an impression 38. *____ shot 42. Arabian chieftain 45. “Hats off,” in New Zealand (2 words) 49. Mixed breed puppy 51. Builds 54. Madagascar primate 56. Skylit lobbies 57. “Gee!” 58. Keen on 59. Cambodia’s neighbor 60. Marcel Marceau, e.g. 61. 1/1000 of #24 Across 62. Fall asleep, with ‘out’ 63. Between femur and tibia 64. Confirmations 67. Nile viper
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Friday, October 8, 2021
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CCSO looks to the sky with new tool
Courtesy photo from CCSO
The drones will be operated by trained deputies in situations where other means or resources are not available, or are less effective. STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is the primary law enforcement agency for the City of Clatskanie, employing deputies in the city and surrounding area for service coverage. Now, the CCSO will be using a new tool to enhance that service in Clatskanie and countywide, adding to its list of available field options by launching a new program called Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Commonly referred to as a drone, the program will be in effect in the coming weeks, according to a release from the CCSO. The drones will be operated by trained deputies in situations where other means or resources are not available, or are less effective. The drones will eventually used by search and rescue teams as well. “As technologies evolve and become more commonplace, we evaluate what is or is not appropriate for use in our community,” Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “We
believe drones are a great tool in the field, whether for enforcement, search and rescue, or other authorized purposes.” A drone provides the operator a remote, wide, birds-eye view of a scene, a perspective previously not generally available to deputies. It allows first responders to make more informed decisions at a scene while reducing risk. For instance, instead of sending deputies into a dangerous situation, a drone can be flown in, the area can
Courtesy photo from CCSO
Deputies can use a drone where a warrant has authorized its use, for search and rescue activities, for crimes involving exigent circumstances, and for training.
be evaluated, and further decisions made without directly exposing deputies to that danger, according to the CCSO. “While we are excited to launch the program, we also want to acknowledge privacy concerns from the public about use of drones by law enforcement,” Pixley said. “Oregon law is specific about circumstances in which we may or may not use a drone. We need a legitimate reason to launch a drone in use of a criminal investigation.” Pixley said deputies
can launch a drone where a warrant has authorized its use, for search and rescue activities, for crimes involving exigent circumstances, for training, and a few additional circumstances. Flying a drone for law enforcement purposes to simply look for criminal actions is prohibited by law. “We take citizen privacy very seriously and have made that part of our drone policy,” Pixley said. Oregon law is only part of the equation. The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) has authority over US airspace and associated regulations. CCSO drone operators will be licensed FAA remote pilots. “This licensing is the same kind a commercial drone operator would acquire through the FAA,” Pixley said. “While the FAA has provisions for licensing exceptions for government aircraft operators, we are not currently pursuing those exceptions. Instead, we’ll use follow the same licensing approach the general public uses.”
Rain eases fire danger in Columbia County STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has determined that Columbia County’s 2021 wildland season is over as of Oct. 1, according to Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR). The recent rainfall and the fall weather are allowing local fire districts to terminate the burn ban in the county. CRFR said that debris burning is now allowed with a valid burning permit as decided by local fire districts. CRFR asks that any outdoor burning is conducted as safely as possible. Recreational campfires, fire pits, and backyard debris burning is now permitted on Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved burn days. Yard debris and open burning is allowed only in permitted areas. Yard debris and open burning is only permitted in the City of St. Helens and the City of Columbia City on given burn days. CRFR asks that anyone preparing to conduct yard debris and open burning check the regulations in their specific area before burning. Burning household garbage, plastics, petroleum products and rubber products are not allowed. CRFR asks that the public use caution when burning debris piles. Any open burning must be attended by a non-impaired, responsible adult. A water source and hand tool to suppress any escaped fires should also be kept on site during any open burning, according to CRFR. “The public is encouraged to remain vigilant for changing weather conditions and use caution when burning,” CRFR states in the release. It is the individual property owner’s responsibility to check daily to ensure it is a burn day by dialing the fire district’s burn line as listed on your burn permit, CRFR said. Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage or requiring suppression efforts from a fire agency may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages caused.
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
The recent rainfall and fall weather are allowing local fire districts to terminate the burn ban in the county, according to CRFR.
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Solution for the Oct. 1, 2021 crossword puzzle
For more information regarding 2021 fire season, visit https://www.oregon. gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/Restrictions.aspx. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Friday, October 8, 2021
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Investing in Oregon’s infrastructure SUZANNE BONAMICI Chief Guest Column
I’m committed to getting the Build Back Better Act and the bipartisan infrastructure bill across the finish line to make overdue investments in our families, workers, and infrastructure. Roads and bridges are important, and so are affordable child care, workforce programs, and protecting our planet. Negotiations are ongoing, and I am confident we will get the job done. It was exciting to help announce a $100 million federal investment in expanding the MAX Red Line to Hillsboro to allow even more people to get to work, school, and home safely and efficiently. This is a great example of the need for federal investment to strengthen and expand our public transit systems. Reproductive freedom in all 50 states I strongly condemn the repeated attacks on reproductive rights. Everyone should have the freedom to decide what is best for their own health and family. It is essential that everyone have access to health care, including abortion services, that is free from political interfer-
ence. I helped the House pass legislation that would protect the right to abortion in all 50 states. I will continue to do all I can to protect reproductive freedom and I urge the Senate to quickly pass the Women’s Health Protection Act. We refuse to be dragged back to the dangerous days before Roe v. Wade.
energy on states and Tribes with longstanding economic ties to fossil fuel industries. The Just Transition for Energy Communities Act will empower frontline communities and provide economic development grants to states and Tribes that have historically been dependent on fossil fuels. And it is always inspiring to see youth leadership on climate, like the 1000-person march recently in Portland. Thank you to the youth leaders driving us forward.
Financial security for students and taxpayers Many Americans rely on tax refunds to cover necessary expenses, and every penny makes a difference. We must protect them and their tax refunds from predatory preparers who take advantage of the complexity of the tax code to line their own pockets. The Tax Refund Protection Act will provide increased transparency and needed oversight so taxpayers will not be cheated and can be confident that they will receive the amount they are due. I’ve also heard from too many students and young consumers who have been taken advantage of by unscrupulous student loan companies and for-profit colleges. Restoring the Office for Students and Young Consumers—which was recklessly shut down by the Trump administration—will
Remembering those we lost
Oregon U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici.
provide students and young consumers with the protections they need. Climate progress Scientists tell us that there is a flashing a code red for the climate, and I’m doing everything I can in Congress
Courtesy photo
to advance climate action. One bill I’m working on will help our communities better prepare for and mitigate extreme heat events, like the heat dome that tragically took more than 100 lives in Oregon this year. Another bill will focus our initial transition to clean
More than 700,000 people in the United States of America have died from COVID-19. They were fathers and mothers, sons, and daughters, friends and neighbors. I visited a powerful visualization of this overwhelming tragedy on the National Mall, where one white flag honors each person whose life was lost. We have the tools to prevent the further loss of life. In case you missed it • Schools in NW Oregon will receive more than $20 million to close the digital access gap so all students can participate and succeed, regardless of their family’s
income or where they live. • Federal funding is especially important for smaller, rural fire departments that struggle to raise the revenue they need for new equipment. I was thrilled to announce $1.29 million in federal dollars to fire departments in Clatsop County. • Workforce development programs improve lives, and I introduced a bipartisan resolution to honor September as National Workforce Development Month. • Making Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday will provide a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the powerful history, traditions, and cultural contributions of our Indigenous communities. • The Newberg school board’s ban on “political” symbols harms the students who would benefit most from seeing and sharing symbols of pride in their identities. I strongly oppose this action by the school board, and I applaud the community’s vigorous efforts to stand up for what’s right and foster a more inclusive and respectful community. U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici represents Oregon’s 1st congressional district. She may be reached through her Beaverton office at 503-469-6010.
Critical funding for local projects BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds are now available for the projects that I championed and were approved for House District 31. These infrastructure projects will benefit our communities for years to come. As your state representative, I am honored to be working with our local leaders to bring funding back to our district. Community investments My collaborative work with Senator Betsy Johnson on the ARPA projects paid huge dividends for HD 31. By dividing up the projects, we were able to more than triple the amount of investment for our communities. I am pleased that funding will go to critically needed infrastructure improvements for the City of Scappoose water and wastewater facilities. In the City of Vernonia, there will be transportation grid improvements to connect a new developing section of the community to schools and other community assets. In addition, through the Ways and Means process, $20 million of ARPA funding specifically earmarked for critical drinking water, storm water and sanitary sewer projects has been awarded to HD 31 municipalities. Those awards include $10 million for wastewater treatment in the City of Clatskanie and an additional $10 million for water infrastructure in the City of Scappoose. The City of Rainier will get the technical assistance they need regarding the Fox Creek Culvert. The Fox Creek Culvert project involves many stakehold-
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‘Resistance is futile’
ers, including private and public property owners and improvements are needed to address ongoing issues with flood hazard mitigation and fish passage. City officials will be working with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to find solutions to the myriad of problems connected with the Fox Creek Culvert. Important health and public safety projects will benefit residents and visitors to Sauvie Island through improvements to the Sauvie Island Fire District. I was able to direct the ARPA grants to supply the necessary funding for facility and equipment acquisitions and improvements. There is money for a new primary fire engine, construction of a new satellite fire station on the northern portion of the island, and an air boat, trailer, and pick-up truck to respond to water rescues. In the community of Linnton, there will be expanded community shoreline access, with the construction of a new ADA path to provide more local outdoor recreation opportunities. This project extends the newly-completed pedestrian pathway to a river lookout point, and builds a path down to the sandy beach at the water’s edge. ARPA funding is also directed to earthquake retrofits at the Linnton Neighborhood Association’s Community Center. The Linnton Community Center serves as a central gathering place, and includes space for preschool and after-school care, a gym, food bank and community meeting space. This has been a community asset for nearly a century, and by making it earthquake resilient this community
of the
treasure can serve local residents well into the next century. The Skyline Grange will also get a much needed retrofit, which includes restrooms that are ADA approved and accessible. There will also be an additional entrance/exit which will be necessary to perform any emergency evacuations at the building. This critical infrastructure funding will be used to transform Skyline Grange to achieve the goal of being more accessible, safe, and a welcoming place for all. Currently, I’m working with the community leaders of these organizations to work through the application process, so we can get these projects funded and completed as soon as possible. The benefits of these many worthwhile projects will be felt and appreciated for many years to come.
Even when I am not in Salem, I’m still working with constituents, community leaders and other elected officials on matters that impact our lives. We check our messages daily, so if you have a concern, comment, or need help regarding a state issue or agency, please contact my office. I am honored to represent you in the Oregon House of Representatives, and look forward to hearing from you. Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • 900 Court St. NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: www.oregonlegislature.gov/witt
This is a prime example of an average American citizen today, no matter how much they are paid, it is never enough and they always find ways to spend all they get; there is no limit to American greed. No matter who is in control in Congress, Democrats or Republicans, they can not stop spending money or creating tax loopholes for the wealthy elites. And as for their tax paying constituents ... “Resistance is futile.” Joe Turner Columbia City
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F-450 Super Crew pickup to the RV. Being a disabled veteran I know about how much he earns and that a $419K house Several years ago while is the most expensive home a waiting for my appointment veteran could buy through the at the Vancouver VA another VA home loan program. And disabled veteran was bellowhaving an accounting degree ing loudly about the VA not paying him enough money, so I know his house payment, I politely asked what he spent including property taxes and insurance runs about $2,200 his money on. He leaned back in his seat a month and his payments on his RV and truck were at least and said, well, I bought an $500 per month each. So after upscale house in an upscale making his monthly payments neighborhood for $419K, a he had about $100 for utilities 40 foot RV with two slide and groceries which explains outs, and a commercial Ford why his wife had to work. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Is is time for Oregon to discontinue the current face cover mandates for indoor public places and large outdoor public gatherings?
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Now-17 Get There Challenge • The event is designed to build skills, stay active, and make Oregon a better place. The ninth annual Get There Challenge participants can take actions to unlock a variety of experience, knowledge, and skill-building achievements. Anyone age 18 or older who lives and/or works in Oregon can join the Get There Challenge at any time by visiting GetThereOregon.org. Oct. 12 Special City Council Meeting 7 p.m. • The Clatskanie City Council has scheduled a special meeting in the Clatskanie Council Chambers on the second floor of Clatskanie City Hall, 75 South Nehalem Street to consider a resolution regarding the current vaccine mandate.
Oct. 31 Drive Through Trunk-or-Treat • The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with Columbia 911 Communications District will host a Drive-Thru Trunk or Treat from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at 58611 McNulty Way in St. Helens. The agencies are currently seeking any small businesses or community partners that would like to host a trunk. For more information and to reserve your spot by Oct. 15, contact Malinda Duran at malinda.duran@columbiacountyor.gov Oct. 9 Fall Native Plant Sale • The Scappoose Bay Watershed Council presents the annual sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind Scappoose High School, 33700 SE High School Way in Scappoose. Proceeds help local restoration projects.
For more information, visit www. scappoosebay-wc.org. On Going • 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 info: Events Page — LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER WATERSHED COUNCIL. • The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). It is located inside Rainier City Hall on the 3rd floor. Go in side entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. For more information, all 360-751-7039.
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Friday, October 8, 2021
Public Notices CC21-1518
NOTICE OF MEETING The regular meeting of the Rainier Cemetery District will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 5:00pm at the Rainier Cemetery Office, 24952 Alston Rd., Rainier, OR. Items on the agenda include but are not limited to: Monthly updates on cemetery operations. Janice Carstensen, Board Chairman CC21-1519
NOTICE OF MEETING The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold a Board meeting, Monday October 11, 2021, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please see our website at www.csd. k12.or.us on the main page for directions to join the zoom meeting. The agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, and the consent agenda. Please see our website for an official agenda. The public is encouraged to attend.
David Charles Korsmo passed away at PeaceHealth St. John Medical Center in Longview, Washington on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. Dave was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Clarence and Ruth Korsmo on August 12, 1938. In 1944, the family moved to a couple of towns in the State of Washington and finally settled in Clatskanie, Oregon in 1946. There, Dave attended school until joining the Air Force in December of 1956. He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii until he was Honorably Discharged in December of 1960. In 1961 he left Hawaii moving back to Oregon. In 1965 he returned to Clatskanie where he met the love of his life, Kitty CaryleAnne Indermuhle, and they were married on August 23, 1969. On August 24, 2019, they renewed their vows for their 50th wedding anniversary. The two of them shared a love that will surpass the 52 wonderful years they spent together. Dave spent most of his life working in the woods in some capacity. He was the owneroperator of Dave Korsmo Logging and Trucking (he eventually dropped “logging”). When the logging market was down, he worked for Local 701 Operating Engineers. This led him to do some dredging in Oregon, Washington, California, and Alaska. He also spent time building the dam and fish locks at Cascade Locks, Oregon. However, his log truck
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Disaster relief requested for commercial salmon industry low only surpassed by the results of the season closure in 2009. Salmon landings in both 2018 and 2019 sit at $2.4 million and $2.1 million respectively, far below the 2016 season, which was declared a disaster at a fleetwide $4.3 million.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
At the recommendation of Oregon’s coastal legislators, Gov. Kate Brown issued a formal request on Oct. 4 to the U.S. Department of Commerce for federal disaster relief for Oregon’s commercial salmon industry. This request comes in response to diminished salmon landings for the 2018, 2019, and 2020 seasons. The Coastal Caucus, a bipartisan coalition of Oregon’s coastal legislators, worked in conjunction with the Oregon Salmon Commission to pursue this request. “Salmon landings in Oregon have fallen from $14 million in 2014 to $1.5 million in 2020,” Rep. David Gomberg (D-Otis), the Coastal Caucus Chair said. “The salmon industry is reeling and the Oregon Salmon Commission asked coastal legislators for help. I’m pleased the Governor is lending her support to the hardworking men and women of our commercial salmon industry and our coastal economy.” Oregon Salmon Commission Executive Director Nancy Fitzpatrick said the
economic impact stretches from the coastal waters to local businesses and the consumer. “It impacts gear stores,” Fitzpatrick said. “They are impacted. People aren’t buying gear. The are not buying fuel. They are not doing grocery shopping to buy food to take out on the boat. Many of our boats fish for albacore and crab as well as salmon, so taking away one of those three doesn’t help
your family budget.” “Salmon are a vital component of Oregon’s natural resources and provide significant commercial, recreational, economic, and aesthetic benefits to the state,” Gov. Brown said in her letter. “Salmon are also highly valued by Native American tribes for cultural, subsistence, and economic benefits. While economic assistance will be essential to address the impacts of
kept calling him back. He loved to drive and continued until 2004 when he had to stop for health reasons. Dave was a very special man who was treasured by friends and family. He had a big heart and a contagious smile. His fun-loving personality could change the mood in the blink of an eye. Dave had a kindness to him that put people at ease, and if you needed help, he would be there for you day or night. He had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his family. He loved his relatives and was never afraid to show it. He would always embrace them hello and goodbye, because they were never too old to be hugged. He is survived by his wife Kitty Korsmo at home in Clatskanie, Oregon; sister Marguerite (Jerry) Ogden of Tacoma, Washington; daughter Rachel (Mike) Larreau of Tenino, Washington; son Richard “Charley” (Terry)
Korsmo of Fallon, Nevada; daughter Marianne (Steve) Baker of Cathlamet, Washington; daughter Melody Clarke of Snohomish, Washington; daughter Melissa (Chris) Korsmo Mowery of Longview, Washington; daughter Melindasue (Sean) Hendrickson of Castle Rock, Washington; and son David (Michele) Korsmo of Granite Falls, Washington. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Guinevere Burk, Michael Baker, Jamie Larreau, Marissa Baker, Allison “Bug” Baker, Christopher Clarke, Kasen Korsmo Mowery, and Dustin Clarke; his father-in-law Marvin Indermuhle; his wife’s brothers, sisters, and their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents; his motherin-law Bonnie Indermuhle; his son John David Korsmo; grandsons, Christopher Korsmo and Joshua Brittingham; his grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 9, 2021, at 2 o’clock at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Longview. Everyone is welcome, the family respectfully asks attendees to wear masks for the protection of our elderly and vulnerable loved ones who will also be in attendance. In lieu of flowers a Dave Korsmo Memorial Fund has been set up at Red Canoe Credit Union, PO Box 3020, Longview, WA 98632.
Irvin Wayne McLain, 77, was born on April 9th,1944 in Long Beach, California to Virginia and Carl McLain. He had three younger sisters, Annette, Marcy, and Kathy. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany as a tank mechanic for three years. He married Linda Pier, of Newport, Oregon when he was 24 years old. They lived in Chehalis, Washington for a couple of years before moving to Newport, Oregon. He worked a variety of different jobs, including setting chokers in the woods, was the head Greenkeeper at Agate Beach Golf Course, and he also worked at the Yaquina Head Rock Quarry with his father-in-law, Elton Pier. He was a very devoted father and family man to two children, Sheila McLain, of Clatskanie, Oregon and Steve McLain, of Newport, Oregon spending most all of his spare time with them. He was a volunteer fireman/EMT and worked as the Fire Marshall for Newport Fire Depart-
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closures and restrictions on our salmon fisheries, it is vitally important that federal, state, tribal, and local governments continue to work together to recover and restore salmon populations and develop management strategies to ensure the longterm health and sustainability of our salmon fisheries.” The 2020 fleet-wide salmon landings of approximately $1.5 million in value represents a historic
Fitzpatrick said the next step is up to the federal government and congress. “Congress would decide if it meets qualifications for a disaster,” Fitzpatrick said. “If they agree, congress would look for money. In the past, such appropriations have been directly dispersed to fishermen and fisherwomen.” The Oregon Legislative Coastal Caucus includes bipartisan representatives and senators from coastal districts from Astoria to Brookings. It is chaired by Representative David Gomberg (D-Otis), ViceChair Senator Dick Anderson (R-Lincoln City), and includes Senators Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) and Dallas Heard (R-Roseburg) and Representatives Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), Boomer Wright (R-Coos Bay), and David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford).
ment for many years. He then became the Fire Chief for Depoe Bay, Oregon Fire Department, and then the Fire Chief for Amity, Oregon Fire Department. He was the best grandpa to his six grandchildren, Toni, David, Kaden, Alissa, Cody, and Savannah. He was also a great uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. After retirement, he and Linda moved to Clatskanie, Oregon until Linda passed away in 2018. He then married Misty Moore, of Astoria, Oregon in 2019, gaining three more children, Uriah (Chau) of Seattle,
Washington, Bob (Jennifer) of Vancouver, Washington, and Crystal (Jesse) Rodli of Portland, Oregon; along with five more grandchildren, Max, Soren, Maria, Elijah, and RaeAnna. Irv and Misty moved to Waldport, Oregon after they married where they enjoyed beach living and learning how to use their laser engraver together. Irv enjoyed laughing, spending time with family and friends, telling jokes and stories, fishing, hunting, crabbing, camping, photography, and cooking. He passed away Sept. 21, 2021 at home with his family. He was well liked by all who met him and loved by so many. He will be greatly missed by an unending amount of family and friends, but his sense of humor and all of our memories of him will live on and on forever. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat., Oct. 9, 2021 at Alston’s Corner Assembly of God Church in Rainier, Oregon. Arrangements by Bateman’s Funeral Home, Newport, Oregon.
Courtesy photo from Jonny Armstrong
The 2020 fleet-wide salmon landings of approximately $1.5 million in value represents a historic low only surpassed by the results of the season closure in 2009.
Kenneth Attwood Bergman March 11, 1953 ~ July 25, 2021
Kenneth Attwood Bergman, a former resident of Rainier, Oregon, passed away on July 25, 2021. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2021 at Rainier Senior Center, 48 W 7th St., Rainier, Oregon. Reception to follow at El Tapatio in Rainier, Oregon. Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Friday, October 8, 2021
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Capsized sailboat leaves 2 dead STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Courtesy photo from CCSO
Trick-or-treaters gather in front of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in celebration of a previous Trunkor-Treat event.
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with the community “in a casual and positive way.” Duran also said that the CCSO events are not limited to Halloween. The CCSO
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Rainier Council The city of Rainier has appointed a new councilor to its third open position. In a 3-to-1 vote on Monday night, Oct. 4, Rainier City Council elected St. Helens Officer Jeremy Howell to fill the open seat. As a Rainier resident of 35 years who has served around the city, including organized sports and on the city budget committee, Howell said he has a unique perspective which strengthens his candidacy. “Sounds like some of the things we need to address sooner rather than later is infrastructure,” Howell said. “There are a lot of outdated
also hosts a National Night Out celebration, in which the community is invited to help pack boxes for its Hometown Heroes Program. Hometown Heroes is a program that honors local residents currently deployed, and is spearheaded by the CCSO.
“We hope that the citizens of St. Helens, as well as Columbia County, will understand that we are part of the community and not just here to respond to calls and make arrests,” said Duran. “We care about them and their children and want to foster positive relationships.”
things on the water treatment plant that we need to get fixed.” As a St. Helens Officer, Howell has made note of the differences between the way St. Helens and Rainier operate, in particular, drawing attention to code enforcement as a possible objective for the city council. “I’d like to see the (city) codes updated, maybe some of the pertinent codes put up online to where people could actually look it up and see what they are,” Howell said. “It sounds like they’re extremely old and haven’t really changed over the years.” Howell said he looks forward to his new role, and how he can combine his knowledge of budgeting and complex community issues to contribute positively to Rainier’s development.
“I’m excited. It’s kind of a new adventure for me. I’ve been part of the community for a long time and I get involved here and there as I can.” The City of Rainier began a search for a new city councilor in early September following the resignation of City Councilor Brenda Tschida, who has moved out of state, according to Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen. Councilors are expected to attend one regular meeting per month, which typically takes place at 6 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. Other meetings may also be scheduled as needed. The current Rainier City Council consists of Connie Budge, Levi Richardson, Jenna Weaver, Mike Kreger, Scott Cooper and Robert duPlessis.
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Investigators are working to determine the cause of a capsized sailboat that left two people dead. Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the capsized sailboat at 8:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, north of Rockaway, near Nedonna Beach, just south of the south Nehalem Jetty. Rockaway Fire-Rescue, Garibaldi Fire-Rescue, Nehalem Bay Fire-Rescue, Tillamook Ambulance and the US Coast Guard also responded to the scene. Fire personnel located an unconscious woman not breathing on the beach and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated. Unfortunately, the woman could not be resuscitated, according to a release from the sheriff’s office. U.S. Coast Guard crews continued using two motor lifeboats to continue searching the area
Courtesy photo from Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office
The capsized boat was discovered along the beach south Nehalem Jetty in Tillamook County.
for survivors. The capsized sailboat, registered out of Astoria, became partially beached and coast guard personnel were able to gain access to the vessel and located a deceased man.
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The two victims are husband and wife and are believed to be the only people on board the vessel at the time of the incident. Tillamook 911 dispatchers were able to identify the victims and immediate family
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ClatskanieMiddle/HighSchoolSportsSchedule Tourney • 10 a.m. Cross Country @Rainier Invite Monday Oct. 11 • 4 p.m. For JV 5:30 p.m. for Varsity High School Volleyball @ Rainier • 4:45 p.m. Middle School Volleyball vs. Rainier • 6 p.m. High School Girls Soccer @Tillamook Friday Oct. 8 • 7 p.m. High School Football @ YamhillCarlton Saturday Oct. 9 • 10 a.m. High School Volleyball @ Seaside
Tuesday Oct. 12 • 4 p.m. For JV 5:30 p.m. For Varsity High School Volleyball vs. Rainier • 4 p.m. Middle School Football vs. Seaside
Wednesday Oct. 13 • 3:15 p.m. High School Softball Informational Meeting in the CMHS Commons • 4 p.m. For JV 5:30 p.m. For Varsity High School Volleyball vs. Warrenton Thursday Oct. 14 • 4 p.m. Middle School Volleyball vs. Vernonia (8th grade only) • 4:00 p.m. Cross Country @Vernonia • 4:15 p.m. High School Girls Soccer @Seaside Friday Oct. 15 • 7 p.m. Varsity Football vs. Corbett Homecoming Game