Issuu

Record Oregon surplus

Sports round up Page A6

Page A2

$1.50

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

VOL. 132, NO. 23 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Speeding, the biggest culprit in county crashes WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

n examination of crash data between 2017 and 2021 of crashes on Highway 30 has revealed that the leading causes of accidents are speeding and following too closely, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Between April and September of 2023, the Chief reported on four separate accidents on Highway 30 that resulted in five deaths. In light of those incidents, the Chief reached out to ODOT to find what the leading causes of crashes are and what the department is doing to try and promote safety and minimize accidents. ODOT does not have preliminary data on crashes yet for 2022 or 2023. However, ODOT Communications Representative David House provided complete data for the five-year period of 2017 through 2021. The two sets of data provided include traffic accidents in Columbia County as a whole and data from the stretch of Highway 30 from St. Helens North City Limit to Clatskanie East City Limit. “I don’t see a trend in this data, but no matter what the figures are year to year, everyone’s goal is to make the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities go down. Anecdotally, we sense that the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities are up – not just in Oregon but nationwide,” House said. Without the data for 2022 and 2023, it is difficult to discern whether fatalities have risen in recent years. From 2017 to 2021, ODOT recorded ten fatalities on Highway 30 between St. Helens and Clatskanie. The most fatalities in a year was four in 2019. House said that in Oregon as a whole, a major part of the increase in fatalities appears to be vehicle-pedestrian crashes. “This appears to be an effect of

Jeremy Ruark / Country Media, Inc.

Between 2017 and 2021, on the stretch of Highway 30 between St. Helens and Clatskanie, ODOT recorded 371 crashes.

more people being closer to traffic or in areas of highway right-of-way where pedestrians and camping are not allowed – because it puts people in danger,” House said. Excessive speed One of the main factors that ODOT has observed as a recurring issue is that people have been driving at high speeds since the pandemic. “Although speed alone doesn’t cause a crash, it makes it more likely to happen and more severe,” House said. “At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react, and it takes longer to stop or evade a surprise on the road. Higher speeds make it more likely for a crash to happen that could have been avoided or turn a fender-bender into an injury crash and to make a bad crash a fatal crash.” Between 2017 and 2021, on the stretch of Highway 30 between

period, there were 1759 crashes. Speeding was again the top cause, accounting for 521 accidents, with following too closely as the second leading cause again with 367 crashes. Failure to yield was the third leading cause, with 353 accidents. “We included crash causes for that stretch of highway and Columbia County as a whole, and excessive speed tops both. It’s important to note that excessive speed amplifies the impact of other factors – following too close, failure to yield, etc,” House said. Of the 1759 crashes, speeding, following too closely, and failure to yield accounted for 1,241 of the crashes from 2017 until 2021. It’s possible that speeding played a part in each of the categories, as House alluded to. One trend that ODOT noted in recent years is that distracted driving is resulting in more accidents on a state and national level. On the aforementioned stretch of Highway 30, driver inattention accounted for 32 accidents, and on the county level, driver inattention was responsible for 151 crashes. “Our Area 1 Manager, Mark Buffington, said that excessive speed and distracted driving have been significant factors on U.S. 30 crashes in recent years – reflecting the national trend,” House said. Making the roads safer

Courtesy data from ODOT

St. Helens and Clatskanie, ODOT recorded 371 crashes during those five years. The leading cause of crashes was speeding, with 109 crashes as a result. The second

leading cause was following too closely, which resulted in 82 crashes during that same span. Looking at ODOT data for Columbia County during that same

Wooley said. “There’s something for everybody.” The CAC is a non-profit corporation, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization created to provide a variety of entertaining programs and events that enrich the lives of the people of the Lower Columbia River Region. Wooley said they are a “special organization” in the county because they are one of the only arts commissions in the county that is all volunteer-run. The commission has been around since 1987, and Wooley is one of the founding members. This year, the CAC is celebrating its 34th Performing Arts Series. “I think it’s an amazing organi-

zation, and we’ve had such good support from the community and businesses and everyone,” Wooley said. “I’m really proud of our season this year.”

In a community poll on the Chief’s website that asked whether people were concerned with driver safety on Highway 30, one hundred percent of respondents answered yes, a reflection of the community being troubled about accidents. House said that ODOT is trying to address driver safety issues in a variety of ways. Some are engineering changes to promote driver safety, like basic maintenance of

See SPEEDING Page A2

Kicking off 34th Annual Performing Arts Series WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Courtesy photo from Elsa Wooley

Black Swan Classic Jazz Band and vocalist Marilyn Keller will start the Performing Arts Series on Oct. 12.

The Clatskanie Arts Commission is excited to present its 34th Annual Performing Arts Series, starting Oct. 22. The series will include six performances with a range of styles and genres. Elsa Wooley is a board member and organizer for the Clatskanie Arts Commission (CAC) and is proud of the lineup that the commission has assembled to perform. “Our mission is to provide a variety of entertaining programs for the people of the lower Columbia region. This year we have such a great variety of performances,”

Starting off the season The season will kick off on Oct. 22 with a performance from the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band and vocalist Marilyn Keller. The concert will occur at the Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S Nehalem St. Wooley said that the theme for the event will be bringing Mardi Gras to Clatskanie. “It’s a mixture of Dixieland, old-fashioned foot-stomping music.

You kinda get the feel that you’re at Mardi Gras, without having to travel all that way,” Wooley said. “We’re going to have fun. We’re going to dress up in Mardi Gras clothes and give out beads, and heck, we’re going all out for it.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors 60+ and students, and $20 for children. Tickets may be purchased online at clatskaniearts. org or by calling Elsa Wooley at 503-728-3403. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the concert, if available. A special discount is available for purchases of 6 or more tickets.

See CAC Page A3

Safeway holding can and bottle drive to give back WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

To help families in need this holiday season, Clatskanie’s Safeway is holding a can and bottle drive to

Obituaries ................. A3 News and Views ...... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Crossword ................ A6 Sports ........................ A6

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

raise donations for Turning Point Community Service Center. While the partnership between the two organizations dates back more than 20 years, this is the first year that Safeway has done the can and bottle drive. The drive will raise money to provide local families in need with Thanksgiving dinners. Safeway Front End Manager Lisa Long said they hope to raise enough for 172 meals locally. To help support the cause, all people will need to do is bring their cans and bottles to the store, and Safeway will “take care of it from there.” “We take [the bottles and cans] in, and we turn them in ourselves. And all donations, all the proceeds, will be going into the ‘Turkey Bucks’ here at Clatskanie Safeway, which will go toward the Turning Point meals,” Long said. Kelly Miller, the Executive Director at Turning Point, said that the years-long relationship between Safeway and her organization is a “huge” benefit to the community. “Safeway donates food items daily to Turning Point that supplements our food supply that we have to fill our clients food boxes,” Miller said. “During the holiday season, Safeway really steps up their efforts in making sure that our clients receive a full holiday meal during a most stressful time for many individuals and families. Safeway offers both Turkey Bucks for Thanksgiving as well as

Courtesy photo from Lisa Long

The early returns of the can and bottle drive have been promising.

Santa Bucks for Christmas - these dollars are turned into holiday meals for our clients.” About Turning Point The partnership helps ensure that “no family goes hungry in Clatskanie.” Turning Point is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is run solely by donations from community members, businesses, and United Way, according to Miller. “Turning Point, first and foremost, is a food pantry, but we really

are so much more, and many people are unaware of what exactly we offer to our community,” Miller said. “Turning Point has become the community’s local resource center for many areas of need. From our food boxes to utility assistance, gas vouchers for medical appts., prescription help, clothing vouchers at our thrift shop, propane for clients who use propane as their heating and/or cooking source, rental assistance in order to prevent evictions as well as getting people into a home if they are currently houseless.”

Turning Point is also a hub for application assistance for many programs such as NOHA, SNAP, TANF, and OHP, and they work closely with the Community Action Team, helping clients fill out those lengthy applications. Time to amp it up! Long said that Safeway is trying to get more proceeds this year than they usually do and that they have

See SAFEWAY Page A3

Revenue Surplus of $5.61B ‘largest in state history’

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $5.61 billion revenue surplus in the 2021-2023 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2023 tax year. The surplus—the largest in state history—will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2023 state personal income tax returns filed in 2024. The credit is based on tax liability for the 2022 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2022 tax return, should file now so they can claim their kicker credit when they file their 2023 tax return. To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2022 tax liability before any credits—line 22 on the 2022 Form OR40—by 44.28 percent. This

percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit. Personal income taxpayers can also determine the amount of their kicker using a What’s My Kicker? Calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2022 and 2023. Taxpayers are eligible to claim the kicker if they filed a 2022 tax return and had tax due before credits. Even taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2023, still must file a 2023 tax return to claim their credit. The 2023 Oregon personal income tax return instructions will include detailed information on how to claim the credit on Form OR-40 for

full-year Oregon residents, Form OR-40-P for part-year residents, and Form OR-40-N for nonresidents. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible. Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe, such as tax due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans. Taxpayers can donate their kicker with a checkbox on their tax return to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back. Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all of their refund to any or all of the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate any amount or all

of their refund to donate to charity. Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some software companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services. For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting public comment on proposed updates to the rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-0100020 and 736-021-0040). The Exclusion Rule Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, agency safety staff and park hosts,

developed a set of recommendations to update the exclusion rules during a series of three public meetings. The proposed updates will clarify the process for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit rule violations that endanger the safety of visitors, staff or park resources; provide clear information on how excluded individuals may request an appeal and how the appeals will be processed. OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. Nov. 3, 2023, and they can be made

online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email: Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/ PRP-rulemaking.aspx Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301 Email: OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon. gov Virtual Public Hearing: 2 p.m. Oct. 30. Must register in advance to receive conference link. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/ webinar/register/WN_eWNdOpNMSlqyK1hWS2RExg Individuals who require

•

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the Oct. 6, 2023 crossword puzzle

Visit www.oregon.gov/ dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@ oregon.gov.

Comment period for park safety rules STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Friday, October 13, 2023

www.thechiefnews.com

Connect Anywhere, Anytime. • • • •

Medicaid SNAP SSI WIC

• • • •

Veterans Pension Survivors or Lifeline Benefits Tribal Assistance Program Housing Assistance

CALL TODAY (877) 390-0458 DIRECTV SPORTS PACK IS INCLUDED FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS AT NO EXTRA COST!

Courtesy photo from OPRD

special accommodations for the meeting should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at Helena. KESCH@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-881-4637.

DIRECTV IN SPORTS ON SUNDAY AND EVERY OTHER DAY

Based on Nat’l/Regional Sports Networks & access to 3rd party apps. RSNs avail. with CHOICE pkg or higher and vary by ZIP code/pkg. 3rd party apps req separate subscription/login and high-speed internet-connected Gemini.

Contact your local DIRECTV dealer! IVS Holdings

Incident at the Knappa-Clatskanie Football game

855-630-7108 Ltd. time offer. New resid. customers w/24 mo. agmt. Req’s CHOICE™ Pkg or higher for RSNs. DIRECTV SportsPack auto-renews monthly after 3 mos. at then-prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo. + tax) unless cancelled.

Donate Your Car

Imagine the Difference You Can Make Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and the proceeds help provide services to help the blind and visually impaired. FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE

When you donate your car, you’ll receive: ✔ a $200 restaurant voucher

✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations

Call 1-844-533-9173 Help Prevent Blindness

Get A Vision Screening Annually

An image from the Oct. 6 Knappa-Clatskanie Football game where the incident took place. WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

An incident between a spectator and a Clatskanie football player at the Clatskanie versus Knappa High School football game has sparked a response from the Clatskanie School District (CSD). CSD Superintendent Danielle Hudson released a statement on the matter via Facebook on Oct. 10. “It is with great concern that we address the altercation between a Knappa High School fan and a Clatskanie High School football player. Upon the occurrence of the incident, both school districts were swift in their response to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. The local sheriff’s office was promptly informed of the incident, and they have diligently followed up on the matter. We are appreciative of their assistance in investigating the incident and taking appropriate actions,” Hudson said in the statement. At the home game for the Tigers on Oct. 6, a Knappa

fan was asked to leave the premises following an altercation with a player following a play. The Chief spoke with Clatskanie Middle/High School Athletic Director Ryan Tompkins for details on the incident. “In the 4th quarter, an incident occurred where the momentum of a play caused a Clatskanie and Knappa player to enter into the spectator area, past the sideline,” Tompkins said. “As the Clatskanie player entered the crowd, a spectator made excessive contact with the Clatskanie player, rather than stepping aside or bracing against the impact of the play.” Following the incident, the game was stopped, and coaches, officials, and administration met on the field to “sort out the incident,” according to Tompkins. It was determined that the spectator should be removed from the field. After being interviewed by Clatskanie administration, the individual was ushered away from the field. Both Tompkins and Hudson emphasized that CSD

“In addition to statewide SPEEDING projects such as pedestrian crossing, bicycle safety, and

From Page A1

pavement, signs, striping, reflectors, guardrails, signals, lighting, and other infrastructure. Others involve federally funded message campaigns on speeding, DUI, distracted/ drowsy driving, seat belt use reminders, etc. ODOT also has incident response crews stationed across the state to respond to crashes along with law enforcement and medical teams. Those crews direct traffic around crash sites and repair any damage to highway safety infrastructure.

ADA curb/pedestrian crossing improvements, this year we have done some work on visibility for drivers: refreshed striping on U.S. 30 in September, replaced reflectors on delineators, and cleaned signs and delineators,” House said. “Those are important safety features for driving at night and other low-light conditions.” House said that ODOT keeps comprehensive data in order to identify problem areas and find solutions. The causes of a “problem area” can vary. “Usually something

and Knappa School District are working together to maintain a positive, safe, and respectful environment at all sporting events. To address future issues, Hudson discussed taking steps to ensure that there is adequate distance between fans and the action to show CSD’s commitment “to creating an environment where everyone can enjoy the game without fear of inappropriate conduct.” Hudson and Tompkins also said they have been working with the Oregon Activities Association (OSAA) and local authorities with regard to the incident. “Action has been taken by the schools towards the individual responsible, and there has been ongoing communication with the OSAA and local authorities about the incident,” Tompkins said. While the event did spark controversy during the game, Clatskanie Head Coach Sean Gorley said in a statement on Oct. 7 on the Clatskanie Football Facebook page that the individual’s actions were not indicative of Knappa or changes in local traffic, traffic volume exceeds the capacity of a location built decades ago, new development changes traffic pattern and volume, etc. We can identify those changes and work toward the engineering side,” House said. “In this sense, this stretch of highway does not stand out but is unfortunately reflecting the national trend in speeding and crashes.” While ODOT is working to try and address issues with driver safety on Highway 30 and around the state, House said the drivers themselves have an important role to play in keeping themselves, their passengers, and those

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Courtesy photo from Karielle Carlson

its other fans. “This kind of action has no place in any high school event. We love our kids and will protect them at all cost. The fan was completely wrong in his actions, and he is going to have to deal with the consequences of those actions,” Gorley said. “But these were the actions of one out-of-control fan. This is not a reflection of the Knappa coaches, players, or true fans. Please don’t let the actions of one taint the image of the rest. The Knappa coaching staff are first-class individuals. They are completely embarrassed by what happened outside of their control.” Gorley asked that “we let it go, and move on.” Gorley’s focus was more on the victory the team came away with and said that the schools are “dealing with it.” Both Hudson and Tompkins echoed that actions are being taken to ensure that future incidents do not arise. Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of the Chief. they are sharing the road with safe. • Slow down for road and traffic conditions • Never use a phone or other mobile device while driving • Never drive impaired or drowsy • Always use your safety belts and child safety seats • Watch for wildlife such as deer and elk when driving on highways going through their habitat House said it’s especially important in winter conditions as the days get shorter, and the roads get wet and potentially icy.

CLAIM YOUR

14-DAY

RISK-FREE PORTABLE OXYGEN TRIAL FOR YOUR ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLE 1

Call us toll-free at

1-855-839-0752 1 14-day risk-free trial- Return within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price.

PM230469 EN_EX_USA | Rx Only. © 2023 Inogen, Inc. 301 Coromar Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 Inogen® is a trademark of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.

Whether you are home or away, protect what matters most from unexpected power outages with a Generac Home Standby Generator.

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* A $735 Value!

$0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE

CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE

(877) 557-1912

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

CLOG-FREE GUTTERS

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

FOREVER

TODAY FOR 15% + 10 % + 0% ACALLFREEUS ESTIMATE OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

SENIORS & MILITARY!

OFF

APR FOR 24 MONTHS**

Promo Code: 285 FREE GUTTER ALIGNMENT + FREE GUTTER CLEANING*

1-855-536-8838

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

**Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 24 mo. apply to qualifying purchases of $1,000 or more with approved credit. Minimum monthly payments will not pay off balance before end of promotional period. APR for new purchases is 28.99%. Effective - 01/01/2023 - subject to change. Call 1-800-431-5921 for complete details.2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. Offer valid at time of estimate only. See Representative for full warranty details. Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMTMercer Group in Ohio. AR #0366920922, CA #1035795, CT #HIC.0649905, FL #CBC056678, IA #C127230, ID #RCE-51604, LA #559544, MA #176447, MD #MHIC148329, MI # 2102212986, #262000022, #262000403, #2106212946, MN #IR731804, MT #226192, ND 47304, NE #50145-22, NJ #13VH09953900, NM #408693, NV #0086990, NY #H-19114, H-52229, OR #218294, PA #PA069383, RI #GC-41354, TN #7656, UT #10783658-5501, VA #2705169445, WA #LEAFFNW822JZ, WV #WV056912.

Call today and receive a

FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF

1-833-395-1433 With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445

Friday, October 13, 2023

www.thechiefnews.com

Longview Walmart unveils new renovations SUBMITTED BY LONGVIEW WALMART Chief Guest Article

Shoppers will soon see the newly remodeled Longview Walmart Supercenter at 3715 Ocean Beach Hwy as the much-anticipated project is now complete. To celebrate the completion of the remodel, the store held a community celebration and employee recognition ceremony on Sept. 22. Walmart store manager Bert Stalter honored 11 of the store’s original associates for their service to the Longview community since 2011. To commemorate the event, Walmart associate Allen Daniels sang the National Anthem. The store’s associates marked the occasion with a ribboncutting ceremony before inviting customers into the store for a first look at the renovations. During the celebration, Walmart store manager Bert Stalter highlighted the Supercenter’s transformed departments as well as the new interactive features now available to customers, including: • Expanded Online Grocery Pickup for quicker customer access • Expanded pets and chemical departments

SAFEWAY From Page A1 had a good start since the drive began on Oct. 9. Another initiative Safeway is doing to encourage donations is a raffle. When people donate $5, their name is put into a drawing for a $100 gift card. Last year, Safeway donated $7,000 to Turning Point between the Turkey Bucks and Santa Bucks, Long said. Starting the can and bottle drive this year was a way to make it easier for people to contribute besides cash donations. It’s also an excellent way to promote recycling. “It’s always been the donations over the counter. This year, we’re trying to amp it up! We’re trying to amp it up, and we figured what better way to do it than with a can and bottle drive,” Long said. The can and bottle drive will last throughout the

CAC

From Page A1

“Our customers are going to love our expanded Grocery Pickup option,” said Bert Stalter, Walmart store manager. “They can now shop in a matter of minutes and pick up their groceries without having to leave their cars. It’s a huge time saver.” To reinforce Walmart’s dedication to the communities it serves, the store manager presented $8,000 in grants to local organizations, including:

Other acts in the series this year are: • Sunday, Nov. 12: Salute to Veterans by the Oregon Symphonic Band (veterans free) • Sunday, Dec. 3: An Old Fashioned Christmas by the Fireside Social Orchestra • Sunday, Feb. 18: 3 Leg Torso • Sunday, Mar. 10: Skamokawa Swamp Opera (this

Courtesy photo

The store’s associates marked the occasion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before inviting customers into the store for a first look at the renovations.

• $3,000 to Wahkiakum County Sheriff Department • $2,500 to Castle Rock Sheriff Department • $2,500 to Cowlitz 2 Fire and Rescue Longview’s Walmart transformations are a part of Walmart’s Signature Experience, which seeks to inspire customers and elevate their in-store experience. Upgrades at the Longview Walmart Super-

Courtesy photo

A new mural will soon adorn the walls of the freshly renovated Walmart.

center include: • Activated corners: Exciting displays are featured at the corners of certain

upcoming holiday season. The Turkey Bucks portion of the campaign will last until Thanksgiving, and the Santa Bucks portion will continue until Christmas. Long said they hope to make the drive an annual fundraiser if the drive goes well. Supporting people in need during the holiday season is essential, Long said. “Times are tough right now. Especially during the holidays, it’s the hardest time for anybody. Making it more for the community is what we drive for,” Long said. Long said that the entire Clatskanie Safeway team has contributed to this initiative, and without them, the drive would not have been possible. For Turning Point, Miller said the value of initiatives like the Turkey and Santa Bucks and this year’s can and bottle drive “cannot really be measured.” “There is always a value to helping others and, especially during the holidays.

Gifts are nice, but are not necessities - food, however, is essential to our very livelihoods! So the value of this initiative I would say is paramount to many families’ livelihoods,” Miller said. “Turning Point is very grateful for the thoughtfulness that Safeway has shown to not only Turning Point and our efforts, but ultimately to the whole community with helping us provide meals to those in need.”

is definitely not an opera) • Friday, Apr. 26: New Zealand singer Will Martin

includes. “We want good performers, obviously, but we want performers that we know would interact well with our audience, that have the personality that would fit, that, of course, we can afford,” Wooley said. “It’s really tricky!” While a lot of hard work goes into organizing the series, Wooley is excited about the coming performances and hopes the community will show out and support this season’s artists.

Supporting the CAC

Check out the rest of our season on clatskaniearts. org. For more information, contact Elsa Wooley at 503728-3403

•

• A new apparel department with expanded offerings • Updated pharmacy and new vaccination rooms to better serve customers • New floors and signage for easier navigation • Updated restrooms and a newly added mother’s room

Wooley said that community participation at CAC events took a hit during the pandemic but that last year, attendance numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels. Wooley said they usually have an average of about 100 people in the auditorium. Some of the most popular acts are Bluegrass music, Western, and tribute bands. However, the CAC is committed to providing variety and having the audience experience different genres. This year, Wooley is particularly excited about the assortment of styles the series

departments to pull customers in and help them touch, feel and become a part of the space, allowing them to discover all that Walmart 503.728.3126 to become a sponsor for a family or two, or you can hold a food drive for us, and we can give out a list of most needed foods,” Miller said. People can also make a monetary donation to Turning Point by mailing a check to us at Turning Point PO Box 773, Clatskanie, OR 97016, or dropping it off at the pantry located at 220 E. Columbia River Hwy, Clatskanie,

has to offer. • Elevated departments: Transformed stores feature displays showcasing products that are out of their boxes so customers can imagine them fitting into their daily lives. • More space to discover: Walmart has purposefully created more space for customers to explore and discover the breadth and depth of what their local store has to offer. • Digital touchpoints: These new touchpoints located throughout the store help to communicate to customers the vast range of products and services Walmart offers online through the use of QR codes and digital screens. For example, in Walmart’s Pets area, a customer may scan the QR code to find additional dog bed options, learn about Walmart’s pet insurance service options or have a 20-pound bag of kibble delivered to their door.

In addition, Longview Walmart customers can save time and money by shopping when, where, and how they want. The Longview store continues to offer the following innovations: • Pickup – Walmart’s Pickup option has become OR 97016. “When you make a monetary donation, you get to direct where your money goes - you can donate to a number of our internal programs such as Neighbors Helping Neighbors, which is the program that funds things such as our propane assistance, gas vouchers, and RX help, or you can direct it towards our housing help, or food-specific, or just

a favorite among busy shoppers. It provides the convenience of online shopping and allows them to quickly collect their groceries without stepping out of their vehicles. The best part is that Walmart Grocery Pickup is completely free of charge. Furthermore, customers using SNAP in most states have the option to avail themselves of the pickup service as well. • Delivery - Walmart’s convenient delivery service is also a hit with customers. Even more, Walmart has now made both pickup and delivery contact free. Express delivery – customers now have the option to have their deliveries made in under two hours. • Walmart Pay – a touch-free way to pay. Walmart+ is a membership program designed to save our members time and money on their everyday essentials, plus so much more. For us, that means giving them access to great benefits like free delivery from store, free shipping with no minimum order, a Paramount+ Essential subscription, mobile Scan & Go, member pricing on fuel, ability to earn to Walmart Rewards and early access to deals. Walmart+ costs $98 per year and includes a 30day free trial period.

wherever it is needed most,” Miller said. “All donations are tax-deductible, and you will receive a tax receipt if needed.” To donate through Safeway, monetary donations can be made at the store. They are also accepting bottles and cans, and all proceeds will be used for Turkey or Santa Bucks to support Turning Point.

How to get involved Turning Point is accepting applications for volunteers at its thrift store and our food pantry, and those can be picked up anytime during business hours. Turning Point’s hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with food boxes from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “People can also help out during the holidays by contacting me directly at

Tickets may be purchased online at clatskaniearts.org or by calling Elsa Wooley at 503-728-3403. Tickets may also be purchased at the door the day of the concert, if available.

•O bituaries • •

Frederick Richard Johnson Dec. 13, 1932 ~ Oct. 6, 2023

Frederick “Bud “Johnson was born on Dec. 13, 1932 in Clatskanie, Oregon and raised on the family farm that was homesteaded by his grandparents in the 1800’s. He was married to Earla Johnson in Kelso, Washington. He graduated from Clatskanie Union High School. From there, he started logging on the Tillamook Burn and then joined the Airforce, so as to avoid being drafted. Following his honorable discharge, he joined the Air National Guard as an aircraft mechanic. He retired

in 1980 after a total of 28 years in the service. He was a member of the

Longview American Legion. Once he retired from the service, he returned to Clatskanie where he lived out his life on the homestead. He is survived by wife Earla; daughter Tena Brundage and her husband Kenny of Westport, Oregon; sister Linda Harcombe of White Salmon, Washington; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Frederick was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Agnes; as well as five brothers and sisters. There will be a private graveside service in November.

Susan A. Souvenir

May 6, 1949 ~ Oct. 8, 2023

In lieu of flowers please donate to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital or NAMI of Columbia County.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Friday, October 13, 2023

www.thechiefnews.com

•N ews and V iews • • Rethinking climate lawsuits •

Prioritizing pragmatic approaches for Oregon’s future CASEY GARRETT Chief Guest Column

The ongoing pursuit to decrease pollution is undeniably essential. While it is crucial for Oregon’s leaders to strive for cleaner and more efficient energy sources, the best approach should be one that emphasizes realistic and collaborative strategies. The decision taken by certain officials to resort to legal action against energy companies raises legitimate concerns. These lawsuits will not provide the solution we need, especially considering these companies could play a pivotal role in developing the cleaner and more efficient energy solutions we seek. This summer, several municipalities opted to sue energy producers, alleging that they should bear the financial burden of climate changerelated damages. An example of this is Multnomah County, which has joined a growing list of municipalities in pursuing climate lawsuits, with demands for over $51 billion in compensation due to the 2021 heatwave’s tragic consequences. While the unfortunate heat-related events across Oregon are indeed distressing, it is foolish to believe lawsuits are an effective way to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Multnomah County’s choice to involve our state’s courts to settle the issue of climate change is a misguided and ineffective approach. Critically examining the motivations behind these lawsuits reveals an emphasis

•

on forcing broader social changes and financial gain for trial lawyers rather than a genuine commitment to combat climate change. For example, the lawyers involved have negotiated significant financial incentives for themselves and set their eyes on recruiting more of our cities, counties, and even the State of Oregon. Redirecting taxpayer funds toward these lawsuits is not a prudent allocation of resources. It is worth acknowledging that natural gas, despite its challenges, has a transitional role to play in our shift toward cleaner energy. Natural gas producers have demonstrated efforts to reduce emissions while supporting renewable energy endeavors. Lawsuits will hinder the investments these companies are making toward cleaner energy sources. Of significant concern is the negative impact of these climate lawsuits on the energy sector, which is integral to our modern society’s functioning. One climate policy expert expressed caution regarding favorable verdicts in these lawsuits, warning that such outcomes could destabilize the fossil fuel sector. This outcome raises ethical questions, particularly considering that the energy sector responds to consumer demand. The perspective put forth by The Oregonian’s editorial team provides valuable insight. They contend that these lawsuits are not aligned with the principles of good governance, as they divert attention and resources from

addressing the most immediate concerns within counties, such as homelessness. Some other examples of immediate concerns all counties grapple with include the lack of access to acute psychiatric care, rising crime rates, rampant drug use, and failing infrastructure. The focus should be on providing concrete solutions to everyday challenges faced by communities rather than suing Big Oil to “scratch a populist itch.” Such lawsuits could also hurt long-term economic growth in this region. The announcement that American Airlines will invest up to $37.5 million into a proposed renewable fuel refinery near Clatskanie might not have happened had they been wary of payday-seeking lawsuits against prominent businesses. While Multnomah County officials talked about environmental justice when announcing the suit, you do not help disadvantaged communities by driving away job creators and economic engines. Instead of pursuing a litigation-driven strategy, elected officials should collaborate with energy companies, fostering innovation, sustainable practices, and the transition towards cleaner energy sources. Oregon’s leaders, across all levels of government, should stay clear of climate lawsuits and explore alternative approaches that prioritize practical, effective, and cooperative solutions. Casey Garrett is a Columbia County Commissioner.

•V oices of the C ommunity • •

Measure 5-296 I want to share with our community why I’m supporting the Scappoose School Bond, Measure 5-296, and why you should join me. After serving for many years on the Scappoose School Board I had the opportunity to see firsthand the results of our capital needs assessments for our district buildings. We first identified the need for a new middle school back in 2006 but were unable to complete it during the 2008 bond due to budget constraints. Now

over 15 years later the same needs still exist, and have been compounded with additional safety, security, access, infrastructure, and technology updates required at all schools. In Oregon it is the responsibility of our communities to support our school districts for capital investments, as they do not come through the normal annual operating budget. It is not realistic to think that we can continue for decades without ever investing for the upkeep of our school district. Just like we do with our homes our dis-

trict buildings need to be maintained with new roofs, HVAC, carpet, paint, safety features, and technology. The district has a validated plan with this bond to address these areas. Costs continue to rise, and these needs will not go away. Let’s take care of them now and make this important investment in advancing education and our community. Please join me in supporting our kids and voting yes on Measure 5-296. Michelle Graham Scappoose

Weekly Online Poll

Last Week’s Results

Are you going to decorate for Halloween?

What is your favorite part of fall?

Yes, I already put them up! Yes, but not yet

12% Halloween

28% Changing Leaves 32% Cooler Weather

28% Can it be spring already?

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

•

•C ommunity E vents • •

October 13 Comedian Wyatt Coate 7:30 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre in Clatskanie, 75 S. Nehalem. Tickets available on eventbrite.com. October 14 & 15 Arts & Crafts Sale Noon - 4 p.m. This event will be held upstairs at the Birkenfeld Theatre at 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie. Locally produced, handmade arts and crafts. Stop by for holiday gifts and to support local artists. For questions please contact Roni at roni@ quackedglass.com. October 19 Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District Board of Directors Regular Meeting 9 a.m. in person and via Zoom. Executive Session will take place at 9:20 a.m. It is expected that the executive Session will take 15-30 minutes. For instructions on how to join the meeting via Zoom, please contact the Administrative staff at 503-366-6973. October 22 Celebrate Mardi Gras with the Black Swan Jazz Band 3 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre in Clatskanie, 75 S. Nehalem. Visit clatskaniearts. org for ticket information. October 26 Fall Carnival by Vernonia Sprouts 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at 1000 Missouri Ave. in Vernonia. Come by for hot dogs, chili, cotton candy and more. Tickets will be .25 each, cash only. October 28 Little Trick or Treaters Parade 1 p.m. It’s kids, costumes, and a whole lot of fun. For over 100 years, The Chronicle has sponsored a children’s parade. This year will be no different. Once again, The Chronicle (The Chief’s sister paper) is partnering with St. Helens Grocery Outlet. The Little Trick or Treaters Parade will be held at 1 p.m. on 1st Street in

St. Helens. Line up begins at 12:30 p.m. at the corner of 1st Street and St. Helens Street. Bring a bag to hold your candy. If you would like to donate a bag of candy to a business downtown, you can take it to the business or drop it off at The Chronicle and we will get it to them. For questions, please call Kelli at 503-397-0116. Hope to see you there! October 29 5th Annual Trunk or Treat by Hometown Pizza 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at 109 E A Street Plaza, Rainier, Oregon. There will be raffles and prizes for costumes and best decorated vehicles. This event is free. Any vehicle is welcomed to show up an hour before the event to decorate their vehicle. Please bring your own candy to hand out. For questions, please contact Nina Pogue at 503-556-3700. October 29 Comedian Paige Weldon 7:30 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre in Clatskanie, 75 S. Nehalem. Tickets available on eventbrite.com. Oct. 31 Quincy Grange 42nd Halloween Carnival 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Grange Hall, 78314 Rutters Rd. in Clatskanie. Follow signs from Clatskanie. Games, BINGO, prize store, and more. Affordable for the whole family. Tombstone Café will have food and dessert for purchase. For questions, call Barb at 503-728-4143 or Ellen at 503-728-2886. Ongoing Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor. Call 503728-3608 for reservations. Use ground floor entrance to the left of front stairs. Good parking in back off of SW

Bryant Street. Castle Tours available by appointment, includes Clatskanie Historical Society museum. Call Debbie at 503-338-8268. Caples Evening Programs The cost for this evening and all our Fireside Chats will be only $5. Caples will be offering a different program the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-3975390. Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page. The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at 106 W B Street. For more information, call 360751-7039. The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays. Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070. To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

Correction: In the original reporting of the story about the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM), which was published Sept. 29, due to reporter error, it was stated that the museum started in 2014 and that the ROHM was seeking a $300,000 grant. The statements were inaccurate. The Chief is happy to set the record straight. The museum was started in 2015, and the grant that was sought was for $500,000.

The Chief David Thornberry Publisher

Will Lohre Associate Editor

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

Jeremy C. Ruark Regional Executive Editor

Jon Campbell Advertising Sales

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

Kelli Nicholson Office Manager

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One month in county: $8 One month out of county: $10 One year in county: $70 One year out of county: $90 One year online only: $60

James Yang Creative Director

Jon Lowrance Driver

CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 • Website: www.thechiefnews.com Editorial: chiefnews@countrymedia.net ADVERTISE WITH US: Advertising Email: chronicleads@countrymedia.net • Classified email: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net Editorial policy Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chief views and are solely those of the writers expressing them. Letters policy This newspaper’s letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 250 words and will be edited for grammar, spelling and blatant inaccuracies. Unsubstantiated or irresponsible allegations, or personal attacks on any individual, will not be published. Letters containing details presented as facts rather than opinions must include their sources. Writers are limited to one published letter per month. All submissions must include the author’s full name, local street address and telephone number (only the name and

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

countrymedia.net. All columns are subject to editing for style, grammar and clarity. However, views expressed in guest columns are independent and do not represent those of The Chief, its staff or Country Media, Inc. Obituaries Obituaries received after noon on Wednesday may not be in time for that Friday’s paper. Obituaries may be emailed to chiefnews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. We also accept obituaries written by funeral homes. Include the address and daytime phone number of the person who submitted the obituary, so we can verify information as necessary.

Marketplace

Friday, October 13, 2023

www.thechiefnews.com

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

800

Misc Services

Rentals

DIVORCE $130. Complete preparation. Includes children, custody, support, property and bills division. No court appearances. Divorced in 1-5 weeks possible. 503-772-5295. www.paralegalalternatives.com legalalt@msn.com

EarthLink Fiber Internet Choose EarthLink Fiber Internet for speeds up to 5 Gigs, no data caps, no throttling. Prices starting at $54.95. Plus, a $100 gift card when you make the switch. Call 1-866-2663817.

Guard today and be protected for life. FREE estimate. Financing available. 20% off total purchase (Restrictions may apply.) Call 1-844-345-1537.

Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-844989-2328.

CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855602-2009.

a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-3951433.

for just $149. Call 1-844-655-0972.

SOLHAVN APARTMENTS

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with onetime $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-877-390-0458.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-536-8838. LeafGuard Call LeafGuard and say goodbye to gutter cleaning for good. No cleaning. No leaking. No water damage. No more ladder accidents. Get Leaf-

GENERAC Home Standby Generator Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-877-557-1912. The Generac PWRcell A solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option.

ATTENTION LAND OWNERS We buy CEDAR and NOBLE boughs. Do not damage trees. What we pay depends on the quality of your trees. We do all the work. For more information call or text anytime Jorge Martinez at 360-751-7723

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-877916-0803. DISH Switch to DISH and get up to a $300 gift card! Plus get the Multisport pack included for a limited time! Hurry, call for details: 1-866-3739175. DIRECTV Sports Pack – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-855-630-7108. DIRECTV OVER INTERNET Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/

EarthLink Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 866-8572897. Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-833-975-1626 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/onac. Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-839-0752. Safe Step North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for

BCI Bath & Shower The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/ month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-844847-9778. Wesley Financial Group, LLC. Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844487-0221. Life Line Screening Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-695-9265 today! Donating your vehicle? Get more! Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Plus a $200 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today - 1-844-533-9173.

750

Misc for Sale

Got Cedar and Noble trees?

If so, we want your boughs! Top dollar paid. We do all the work, with over 20 years of experience. Call Crystal at 360-957-2578 or Ricardo 360-751-1045

Need a job? check the classifieds online at www.thechiefnews.com to find your perfect job offer

500 SW Bel Air Dr. Clatskanie, OR 97016 503-728-3169 TTY: 711

Beautifully renovated 1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes. Apply online @ www. solhavnapartments.com No application fee. Income restrictions apply. Pet friendly (with breed restrictions)

Professionally Managed by Guardian Management LLC.

804

Apts Unfurnished

Rainier 1 bedroom W/S/G paid. River view, nice neighborhood. 2nd story, no pets. $1050/ month, $1500/ deposit. 503-3694576.

860

Storage

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

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

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

Public Notices CC23-1855

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of DORIS ALENE DOUGHERTY, Deceased. No. 23PB05579 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against

the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months af-ter the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published Octo-ber 13, 2023. Leona Gibson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC23-1854

NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING Notice of Regular Monthly Meeting of Board Directors for Westport-Wauna RFPD. Meeting will take place Wednesday October 18, 2023 at 7:00pm at the Westport Community Center 91177 Westport Ferry Rd.,

Westport, OR 97016. Agenda will include: roll call, approval of minutes, approval of financials, correspondence, hearing Chiefs report, new and old business along with other matters presented and the consideration of an

ordinance adopting limiting volunteers and employees from serving on the Board of Directors. Copies of the ordinance will be availa-ble upon request by contacting Stephanie Weldon at 503791-6228.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Studying wolves may be key in improving dogs’ health STEVE LUNDEBERG Chief Guest Article

Gut microbes found in wild wolves may be the key to alleviating a debilitating gastrointestinal condition common to domestic dogs, according to a study led by researchers at Oregon State University – Cascades. The authors report a novel strain of Paenibacillus bacteria with characteristics of a probiotic – an organism that conveys a health benefit to the host. In this case, the benefit would be to head off canine inflammatory bowel disease, a chronic illness characterized by vomiting, reduced appetite, weight loss, flatulence, a rumbling stomach and/or abdominal discomfort, said Bruce Seal of OSU-Cascades’ biology program. “At present there is no known cure for this ongoing dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal tract, and there are limited options for treatment,” Seal said. “Underly-

ing causes of the condition include an animal’s genetics, environmental factors, the immunological state of the GI tract and, maybe most importantly, an altered gut microbiome.” The research, a collaboration between scientists at OSU-Cascades and Oregon State’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, is an important step toward a dietary supplement or food additive capable of steering the composition of a dog’s gut microbiome back toward that of the wolf, with which it has common ancestry. “Dogs were the first domesticated animal,” Seal said. “The modern dog diet, high in carbohydrates, does not reflect a wolf’s diet – for example, starches in processed dog food are resistant to digestion, and that can have a negative impact on the microbial community in a dog’s GI tract and in turn its gastric physiology.” In this study, gastrointestinal material was collected

Courtesy photo from OSU

The research is an important step toward a dietary supplement or food additive capable of steering the composition of a dog’s gut microbiome back toward that of the wolf, with which it has common ancestry.

from a dead wolf one day after it died from injuries sustained from being struck by a car. The scientists isolated 20 different gut

bacteria that preliminary genetic analyses indicate have probiotic qualities, and for this paper they performed whole genome sequencing on a novel Paenibacillus

strain. The bacterium encodes enzymes that can digest complex carbohydrates such as starches, Seal said. It also has gene systems expressing antimicrobials. “Non-toxic, sporeforming bacteria promote anti-inflammatory immune responses in the gut and inhibit pathogen growth,” he said. “Taking everything into account, this bacterial isolate could be a potential useful probiotic for domestic dogs.” Seal added that the researchers plan to perform whole genome sequencing on four or five other bacterial species among the 20 isolates. Seal and OSU-Cascades colleagues Pat Ball, Evan Forsythe and Kristina Smith co-led the study along with former colleague Heather Broughton. The team also included OSU-Cascades students Jennifer McCabe, Jessika Bryant, C. Cristoph Klews, MiCayla Johnson, Ariel Atchley, Thomas

Cousins, Analiska Dominguez, Marie Gabriel, Katie Middleton and Natasha Bowles. Several students were supported by the OSU Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and the Arts program and the OSU-Cascades Layman Fellowship program. Mark Ackermann and Robert Bildfell also contributed to the research while with the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine’s Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Corvallis. Bildfell has retired, and Ackermann is now the director of the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa. The research has been published in Applied Microbiology. Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve. lundeberg@oregonstate. edu.

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Friday, October 13, 2023

www.thechiefnews.com

•

•S ports • •

Clatskanie High School sports round up WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

With only a few games left on the schedule, the Clatskanie Middle/High School programs are hurdling toward the ends of their seasons, and for a couple of the programs, their playoff berths hang in the balance. Let’s take a quick look at the upcoming scheduled games and where each of the teams sits in the rankings following recent results. October 13 • High School Varsity Football vs. Nestucca, 7 p.m. October 14 • High School Volleyball vs. Nestucca, Junior Varsity, 1:00 p.m., Varsity 2:30 p.m. • Cross Country @ Rainier, 10:00 a.m. R October 16 • High School Junior Varsity Football vs. Corbett, 5 p.m. • Middle School Volleyball vs. Rainier, 4 p.m. October 17 • Middle School Football vs. Vernonia, 4:00 p.m. • HS Girls Soccer vs. Scappoose (@Rainier), 4:15 p.m. October 18 • Middle School Volley-

ball vs. St. Helens, 4:30 p.m. (7th grade only) • Cross Country @ Tillamook, 4 p.m.

twice, Clatskanie will have to wait until a playoff match to get their revenge. With strong results against the rest of the competition in the Northwest League, the Tigers will feel confident about getting results against Vernonia and Nestucca in their final two games of the regular season. The result of the Oct. 12 clash with Vernonia is not known at the time of press.

October 19 • High School Volleyball District Playoffs: TBD • High School Girls Soccer vs. St. Helens (@ Rainier), 4:15 p.m. • Middle School Volleyball @Rainier, 4 p.m. October 20 • High School Varsity Football @ Corbett, 7 p.m. October 21 • High School Volleyball District Championships @ Vernonia HS: TBD Football The Tigers secured another big win to keep their playoff dreams alive, beating Knappa 41-28 on Oct. 6. That win marked the third in a three-game winning streak that the team will hope to keep alive when they play Nestucca tonight. The win against Knappa included some controversy due to an altercation between one of the Clatskanie players and a Knappa fan, but the Tigers came away victorious. “I wanted to say thank you [to the] community, parents, family, and friends that support our team. These kids

•

Courtesy photo from Karielle Carlson CMHS Yearbook

Clatskanie will look to keep their win streak alive against Nestucca tonight.

give everything they have to try to make us all proud of them. Last night was a huge win for these kids and our community. Such a team win. Fighting through the highs and lows, showing true resolve to get the victory,” Head Coach Sean Gorley said in a Facebook post on the Clatskanie Football page. The third straight victory propelled the Tigers to the third position in the 2ASD1 Special District 1, and improved their league record to 3-1. While they are 3-3 overall, the league games are more important to reaching the playoffs. The two teams ranked ahead in the district are Knappa in second and Gaston in the one spot. Taking the win against Knappa was a huge step toward Gorley’s

goal of making the playoffs. In their final three games of the season, Clatskanie will face off with Nestucca, Corbett, and Vernonia/Jewell. Each of the games should be winnable, though they promise to be difficult. Nestucca and Vernonia/ Jewell are each 2-2 on the season and sit in the fourth and fifth spot in the district behind Clatskanie, with Corbett in sixth with a 2-3 record. Clatskanie will hope to keep their winning streakand playoff hopes- alive with another win this week. Volleyball Since we last checked in with Head Coach Amanda Baker’s squad, the Tigers have played four games, in-

cluding two non-league tournament contests in Seaside. Through that four-game stretch, the Tigers won two and lost two, with a win and loss in league and non-league play. Clatskanie’s overall record now sits at 12-7, with a league record of 8-4. The strong season has earned the Tigers the tenth overall rank in OSAA’s 2A rankings. Clatskanie wasn’t able to take the win against Portland Christian on Oct. 10, a Portland Christian team that has a 14-1 overall record and sits second in the OSAA 2A rankings. In league play this year, the only team’s Clatskanie have not beaten are Portland Christian and Gaston, who are the two top teams in the 2A-1 Northwest League. Having played each of them

Girls Soccer The Rainier/Clatskanie girls soccer team snapped their six-game losing streak against Tillamook on Oct. 5 with a 1-0 win playing at Rainier High School. In a season that has had some growing pains, it must have been gratifying to get back in the win column. That win gives the team a league record of 1-5 and puts them squarely above Tillamook in the 4A-1 Cowapa League. At the time of press, they are currently ranked 28 of the 32 OSAA 4A programs with a 3-8 record overall and fifth of the six teams in the 4A-1 Cowapa League. The result of their Oct. 12 game against Astoria is not known at the time of publication of this article. The team will next play against Scappoose on Oct. 17.

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: SWEET TOOTH ACROSS

1. *Bow Wow Wow’s “I ____ Candy” 5. Money source 8. *____’s Root Beer 11. Pelvic parts 12. Start of something big? 13. Round openings 15. RPM gauge 16. Cantina cooker 17. Car sound, to a toddler 18. *Ninepins namesake 20. Kiln for drying hops 21. They had 22. Division, abbr. 23. Informal wear 26. “Tail” on letter C 30. Kamakawiwo’ole’s strings 31. Real estate sale agreement 34. Denials 35. 9 a.m. prayer 37. Even, to a poet 38. *Desert plant harvested for sweet syrup 39. Forbidden 40. Quickly or slowly, e.g. 42. *Sweet ____ brew 43. Breathe in 45. Westernmost city in Germany 47. Soldier’s bed

48. Mensch, alt. sp. 50. Italian car brand 52. *Jolly livestock raisers? 55. Russia’s hard liquor 56. Ctrl + Z 57. Consumes food 59. Checks out 60. Famous French couturier (1905-1957) 61. Heavy Metal’s Quiet ____ 62. Caustic soda 63. Newsman Rather 64. Kill, as in dragon

DOWN

1. Clever humor 2. Unfortunately, exclamation 3. Actor Nolte 4. Island in French Polynesia 5. *Donut filler 6. Checked out 7. Bleats 8. Rocky & Bullwinkle and Mary Kate & Ashley, pl. 9. To a very great degree (2 words) 10. Not bright 12. Sacred choral compositions 13. Roundish

14. *Sweet tooth, technically 19. *___ Musketeers, spelled out 22. Drops at dawn 23. *____-Frutti 24. Highlander’s dagger 25. Sage and rosemary 26. *Scoop holder 27. Averse 28. “Drove my chevy to the ____” 29. Southeast Asian org. 32. Relinquish, as in property 33. Clergyman’s title, abbr. 36. *Single serving treat 38. Embarrass 40. Arthur, to friends 41. Hard feelings 44. I to Greeks, pl. 46. TV’s “Where everybody knows your name” 48. Opposite of depression 49. “____ ____ a high note” 50. Same as fogey 51. Inactive 52. “Ant-Man” leading actor 53. Not top-shelf in a bar 54. Greek portico 55. Radio knob, abbr. 58. Farm pen

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

The Little Trick or Treaters Parade

October 20th, 2023

1 P.M. class St. Helens Best Western 585 S. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens

CONCEAL CARRY PERMIT CLASS Oregon • Multi-State • Valid in 35 States

October 28, 1 p.m., at 1st Street in St. Helens Presented by

The Chronicle

Multi-State $80 Oregon Included No Fee Valid in Washington or Oregon only $45 www.FirearmTrainingNW.com