Get ready for winter!
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Columbia County. “Cold off shore flows, an air mass in place and moisture from the pacific, all three rarely come together often and that is what makes the snow chance here,” he said. Under the La Niña, Rockey said winter temperatures will range from the mid 40s to low 50s during the day and from the 20s to 30s overnight. NOAA’s forecast says below-normal temperatures are favored in southern Alaska and from the northern Pacific Northwest into the Northern Plains, with equal chances for below, near, or above-average temperatures in the remaining regions. More modest probabilities for warmer temperatures are forecast in the southern parts of the west coast, and from the MidAtlantic into the Northeast. Above-average temperatures are also favored for Hawaii and western and northern Alaska.
NOAA’s latest winter forecast predicts cooler and wetter conditions in the Pacific Northwest. This is a scene from winter 2017 in downtown Clatskanie. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Grab your umbrella and warm coat, it likely will be cooler and wetter than normal this winter in the Pacific Northwest, according to the latest winter weather forecast
from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA forecast favors warmer, drier conditions across the southern tier of the U.S. and cooler, wetter conditions in the North, due in part to an ongoing La Niña. National Weather meteo-
rologist Clinton Rockey in Portland said the La Niña effect shifts the storm track from the southern hemisphere around Africa to the Pacific Northwest. ‘Juicer’ storms “Storms are more juicer
and the jet stream is over us more often with a more persistent storm track,” he said. “That means we would see more snowpack in the mountains.” Rockey said La Niña can also produce three elements that could bring snow to lower elevations including
See WINTER Page A3
Clatskanie Public Library reopens JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Clatskanie Public Library District has reopened its facility at 11 Lillich Street and is accepting visitors by appointment only under state pandemic guidelines. The facility closed March 11 as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across Oregon. Interim library director Becky White said since the appointment-only process began on Monday, Oct. 19, library staff began booking about two to three appointments daily.
Everyone seems happy just to have books in their hands. ~ Becky White, Library Interim Director “The biggest challenge is getting people to remember their appointments,” White said. “Many patrons are still opting to use curbside services and we plan to make that available from now on.” White said appointments for the various library services are staggered to no more than 10 people at one time, including staff, inside the building. “So far, everyone seems very willing to cooperate with our requirements for entry, which include time limits, group size limits, children under 12 accompanied by adult, masks for everyone 5 and up,” she said. “Everyone seems happy just to have
books in their hands.” White said library staff has moved the public computer appointments inside the building instead of on a laptop in the enclosed foyer and that patron reactions to the modifications to the library setting, which include sneeze guards, no seating, traffic control barriers and hand sanitizing stations throughout the library, range from overwhelmed to overjoyed. “It is not the library they are used to, but it is still the library they love,” she said. “Once a new permanent library director is selected by the Clatskanie Public Library District Board of Directors and the facility is fully staffed, we look forward to allowing more spontaneous visits. But for now, the appointment system is going well and we’re enjoying many happy reunions.” For more information about appointments and library services, contact 503728-3732.
Photo courtesy of Becky White
Clatskanie Public Library District visitor Abby Sullivan was the first one through the door when appointments became available on Monday, Oct. 19 at the facility.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
There are a number of ballot drop off boxes are located in communities around Columbia County.
Voter turnout early, high JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Voter turnout for the Nov. 3 general election is at a higher level compared to the election of 2016, according to Columbia County Election Supervisor Don Clack. “Turnout as of Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 21, is 6,298 ballots, or 15.64%,” he said. “The same day in 2016 (end of day) turn out was 3,370 ballots or 9.84%.” As to why ballots are coming in earlier and at a higher rate, Clack said there is high public interest. “This election has whipped up serious hype and people are being cautious in ensuring their vote is heard,” he said. In overseeing the election process, Clack said there would be several indicators of a safe and secure election. “They could include, among others, registration integrity, reliable ballot delivery and return, accurate results, timely results, voter engagement, confidence and trust in the system,” he said. Voters are encouraged to use area drop off boxes to ensure their ballot arrives by election night, 8 p.m. Nov. 3. Columbia County voters can drop off ballots up to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at these drop sites: Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie; Rainier City Hall, 106 B St. West, Rainier; Vernonia Public Library, 701 Weed Ave., Vernonia; Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., St. Helens; and at the Scappoose City Hall, 33568 E. Columbia Ave., Scappoose. Follow election coverage at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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www.thechiefnews.com
Friday, October 23, 2020
Pandemic update
In-person classes still distant
Photo courtesy of Lincoln County School District
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
School districts in Columbia County are preparing in-person classroom instruction plans, but those plans will not be put into place as soon as district officials had hoped. Originally, schools in Columbia County and across the state had hoped to resume in-person instruction by November. Some Oregon school districts have been able to allow limited classes in the schools along with distance learning, however, the in-person classes are based on the state’s pandemic metrics. The metrics In order to reopen schools, there are two metrics that must be met, according to Oregon Health Authority (OHA) guidelines: a test positivity rate of less than 5%, and a case count of less than 10 per 100,000. Both metrics must be met for three weeks in a row in order to reopen schools. Columbia County has seen a surge in COVID-19 cases over the past few weeks, and is not currently meeting the required state metrics to return to in-person instruction, according to Columbia County Public Health. Rainier interim School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick said the district reviews the state metrics provided by Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and OHA weekly. He said Columbia County still remains above the case rate necessary for inperson instruction. The Rainier School District is working with Columbia County Public Health and OHA to obtain data that may support limited in-person instruction (small group
instruction) but Hattrick said until that specific data is made available, district officials are unable to make an informed decision on allowing small groups on campus. Rainier Schools reaction On Sept. 21, Rainier School District began the school year in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL). Students have been provided one of three options which include: Google Classroom, Rainier Virtual Academy supported by Odysseyware, or paper-based learning. “We understand the challenges associated with all methods of CDL and provide a daily help desk, teacher office hours, and both tutoring and help desk for our special education students,“ Hattrick said. According to Hattrick, the Rainier School District understands that CDL is not the preferred method of teaching and learning in the community but he said the district is required to follow state guidelines and will continue to do so. “I would love nothing more to have students back on campus but we also have to make these moves slowly and in accordance with the data so everyone can remain safe,” Hattrick said. “Once we are able to have students on campus, we want them to stay. This means that moving too quickly could result in transitioning back and forth from in-person to CDL which would not provide the stability our students need.” Hattrick said under the current metrics, Columbia County would have to have decreased cases for the next three weeks in order to consider beginning in-person instruction. “At this time, we cannot make a prediction as to when this could happen because we are bound by what the data
tells us and will continue to follow guidance provided by ODE,” he said. “While CDL is not ideal, our students have higher attendance rates than last year, better engagement, and they are met with consistent expectations and requirements in their classes.” Hattrick noted that students have the flexibility to view instructional lessons on their own time and participate in live virtual sessions daily with their teachers and peers. Clatskanie Schools Clatskanie School District Superintendent Kathy Hurowitz stated in a story in the Oct. 16 edition of The Chief, that the end of the semester in January would be a possible time to transition back to inperson learning if Columbia County’s COVID-19 case metrics support it. “It has always been our plan to return to in-person instruction as soon as allowed,” Hurowitz said. “We are in the prepping stages for bringing back students beginning with K-3 as soon as the metrics allow.” Other county schools
read lips. “Face shields can be good at blocking droplets, but they are not effective at limiting the release of aerosols that can go around a shield,” Paul said. Vaccine plan
MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
One new case of COVID-19 in Columbia County was announced by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on Thursday, Oct. 22, bringing the county total to 250 since the pandemic began. Michael Paul, county public health director, said the increases in cases over the last months has reversed progress at the Columbia County Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday. Columbia County remains ineligible to reopen its schools to in person learning. In order to reopen, the county must report less than five cases per week for three weeks. “We are not going to meet that metric,” Paul said. “At least not this month, and probably not next month.” Face coverings
Paul addressed the OHA’s revised guidance on facial coverings. Scappose School District “There are several definiSuperintendent Tim Porter tions updated in the guidance; sent a letter to parents this the general recommendation week suggesting that his is that people wear a mask, distict will likley not resume facial coverings whenin-person instruction until ever they’re within 6 feet of January. people,” he said. “Our ability to fully open OHA guidance now classrooms is dependent on requires that people wear face health metrics in Columbia, coverings in all private and Washington, and Multnomah public workspaces, unless Counties specifically, which someone is alone in an office in turn are dependent on our or in a private workspace. community following good This includes classrooms, practices, including the wearoffices, meeting rooms and ing of face coverings, Porter workspaces. said. “We are likely months It also requires that away from re-opening our people wear face coverings in school buildings in a broad outdoor and indoor markets, manner, even for a hybrid/costreet fairs, private career hort model of learning.” schools and public and private St. Helens School District colleges and universities, officials were still developaccording to a release by the ing their in-person instruction OHA. procedures at press time. Face shields are discouraged, but allowed for limited Follow this developing situations like communicating story online at thechiefnews. with someone whoour is deaf or one of com and in the Friday print Attend hearing impaired and needs to editions of The Chief.
The OHA also announced it submitted a draft vaccine plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday. The plan addresses the state’s plan to allocate and distribute a COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon once one becomes available. Assuming the vaccine supply is limited, the plan prioritizes people playing a critical role in responding to the pandemic, as well as those at highest risk for developing severe illness. Residents and employees of long-term care facilities will be able to get no-cost COVID-19 vaccinations when they become available, the OHA announced Wednesday. The plan is still a draft and the OHA expects it to evolve in the months ahead as more is learned about likely COVID-19 vaccines. Read the OHA’s full vaccination plan with this story at thechiefnews.com. Modeling The OHA also released updated modeling projections on Friday, Oct. 16. The model looked at three scenarios: one where transmission continues
at its current level, one where transmission increases by five percentage points, and one where transmission drops 10 percentage points. In the first scenario, where transmission continues as it has been, it suggests daily reported cases would increase to 570. Currently, the OHA has been reporting between 300-to 400-plus new cases per day. On Wednesday the OHA reported 331 new cases. The second scenario, in which transmission increases, suggests new daily case counts would rise to 740 per day. The third scenario, in which transmission decreases, suggests daily case counts would drop to 290, which is around the number of cases reported by the state in August. “New modeling suggests we have a long way to go to stopping the spread,” State Health Officer Dean Sidelinger said in a media conference held Friday. Last week’s totals set a new high for the pandemic, Allen said. A record daily total of 484 cases were reported on Thursday, Oct. 8. The rate of positive testing is at its highest point and hospitalizations are the highest they have been since mid-July. “Social gatherings continue to be a forceful driver of the surge,” he said. Follow daily pandemic updates at thechiefnews.com with in-depth reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief. Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
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We heard our customers talking about their need for hay, and now we’ve got some! It took us forever to find a supplier. We looked and looked and looked, but finally found a guy out in Idaho. They’re USDA certified, so that means the USDA comes out and looks at their fields and then they have to cut it within ten days. So, we’ve got compressed bails of alfalfa, timothy, and hay. They’re pre-wrapped and they call these things “Grab and Go.” If you find yourself thinking, “Crap, I forgot to get hay for my animals but my truck is in the shop and I don’t want to get alfalfa all over my minivan,” then this is the stuff for you. It won’t shed all over your nice car if that’s what you happen to have that day. We’ve also got some chopped straw, and we do still have those little bunny bags of timothy, as well. Right now, I only have about two pallets on the ground here, but my storage building has the rest of it. We brought in 22 pallets all
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•
Friday, October 23, 2020
•V iewpoints • •
Ongoing trauma of domestic violence ELLYN BELL Chief Guest Column
We tend to think of domestic violence as a moment in time, an incident that occurs which disrupts the normal fabric of a life. If it hasn’t affected you personally, it’s easy to think of it as something that only happens to other people. This October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, (DVAM), I encourage you to think of the larger, more pervasive problem of domestic and sexual violence in our community and country. Domestic violence is a common societal trauma that affects people from all walks of life, all religions, races, and socioeconomic groups. Domestic and sexual violence can be kept “secret” for many years due to the shame that those who’ve been affected often feel. During DVAM, we bring attention to this societal problem in order to shine a light on a trauma that could affect any of our families and loved ones. Domestic abuse is defined as a pervasive pattern of coercive control used by one person in a relationship to gain power and control over another person. This pattern of behavior can include physical violence, coercion, threats, intimidation, sexual, emotional, psychological, financial, or even religious abuse, as well as numerous other ways that a person might seek to control the behavior of another. The relationship can be an intimate partner or familial. Oftentimes children are used as pawns in abusive households. Sometimes grown children are the abusers. But the roots of domestic abuse lie in all forms of violence and oppression. Interconnected and deep, all
forms of oppression are tied together by the cord of seeking to maintain power and control over another person, group, race, community, or other entity. As humans, we’ve all been wounded and in turn, we often wound others. Part of understanding the dynamics of oppression is understanding our participation in it and then making a choice to do something about it. A few weeks back, a young advocate asked my opinion on why after almost 30 years of the Violence Against Women Act, (VAWA), we as a country had not made more progress in “eradicating and ending” domestic violence. My first inclination was to talk about prevention efforts and the lack of resources over the years for adequate and sustained prevention programming. However, this isn’t the only problem. We haven’t ended domestic violence with prevention efforts, laws, shelters, or advocacy—although all of these things are absolutely necessary to keep people safe. But keeping people safe does not effectively address why they are in danger in the first place. My answer to the advocate was inconclusive. The only thing I am certain of is that the real problem festers within us all. The rage and pain never dealt with ends up creating pathways bringing forth more of the same patterns of destruction unexamined and unnamed. The trauma of domestic violence is bigger than individual relationships. Do you remember the first time you experienced hatred, bullying, cruelty or violence? For many people, these experiences begin in childhood. Perhaps witnessing domestic violence in the home or being abused by a parent or caretaker. By the time a child goes
• Cemetery needs support I am imploring voters living within the Rainier Cemetery District (Clatskanie, Rainier and all area in between) to vote YES on the minuscule increase they are currently seeking. $0.05/$1,000 equals $12.50 per year on a home assessed at $250,000. Twelve cemeteries for one man to maintain, with deteriorating equipment, is unfathomable to me, let alone the fact that this one individual also has to keep the burial records and complete all paperwork required in the burying of our dead. This tax rate has not been increased for decades and I would guess that we have some of the cheapest plot prices in the state. The Rainier Cemetery District Board of Directors has been incredibly frugal and efficient through the years, but continuing to fulfill the needs of our communities, as well as the laws required of them by the state on such little revenue is pretty much impossible. When no one is willing to lead such a hopeless mission, or work in such demanding conditions, what do we do then? A nickel per $1,000 of value is little to ask to fix this situation. Please join me in voting YES on the cemetery tax rate increase. Kathy Engel Clatskanie
to school, he or she may have endured multiple traumas. Children who’ve endured early traumas are ripe to be picked on by bullies and as they get older often choose unsafe relationships. Trauma turns some into bullies and abusers and others into their victims. Trauma does not need to define a life though. There is help to break free from abuse and help for those who abuse. There are numerous ways to heal from past traumas, but first, we must make a decision in the present. The necessary decision is to become aware of all the small and large ways we remain unconscious of creating pain for another. These things may not be as apparent as domestic violence but might include screaming at another driver, Facebook and Twitter fighting, mean put downs, unkind remarks, and all the ways that we as humans diminish other humans. We all have our bad moments. The magic is found in the choice to change that moment. Please join SAFE of Columbia County in becoming more aware this month. Together we can make a safer, healthier community for everyone. This piece is part of a longer post found on Medium. com. Here is the link the Medium link, bell-ellyn.medium. com/your-oxygen-mask-firsta-trauma-informed-approachto-overcoming-abuse-fb9ceddef833. If you have been or are currently a victim of domestic violence and need help, the SAFE crisis line is 503-3976161. Ellyn Bell is the Executive Director of SAFE of Columbia County. She may be reached at 503-397-7110.
•V oices
Vote for Dudzic I’ve been a supporter of Brandee Dudzic for Columbia County Commissioner since the primaries, and here’s why: I know what poor leadership, mismanagement and a toxic work environment can do to a county. As a county employee, I watched so many folks lose the love they had for their jobs, grow frustrated with how they were treated and even leave their jobs, like I did. I know that Brandee is the type of leader that we need in this county. Brandee has had the courage to fight against structures and systems that don’t benefit working folks. She works tirelessly to increase accessibility to services and local government. She will prioritize the needs of real people first, not her own interests or the interests of large corporations. Lori Baker St. Helens
Witt is who we need Government functions best when local leadership is in tune with the challenges and opportunities we face. State Representative Brad Witt has helped our citizens navigate the intricacies of the state agencies to resolve concerns that they have. He and his staff always respond quickly to constituent concerns. This has been particularly important
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for residents and businesses struggling in the pandemic economy. He understands how health care insurance suddenly vanished for people and wants affordable high quality medical insurance options available. Representative Witt deeply values the quality of life we have in Columbia County. His advocacy for well-paid jobs that build a strong, talented and future-focused workforce is crystal clear. Finally, Representative Witt has become a significant state-wide player in resolving the natural resource issues that come before the House Committee that he has chaired. Representative Brad Witt is, in our view, the kind of hard-working, thoughtful and responsive ally that we need in Salem. Chip and Nancy Bubl Warren
help Counties understand the budget and financial structure of the organization. He does this in a way that is very professional, but he is also always willing to slow down, answer questions, explain and add detail. In his role as AOC treasurer, Commissioner Tardif works with County Commissioners across party lines and across the state in order to get things done. He isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work that is needed. I sincerely hope that Columbia County voters will reelect Commissioner Tardif this November. He is thoughtful, responsible, hard-working, and intelligent, and these qualities make him both an excellent County Commissioner and an outstanding representative of the citizens of Columbia County. Melissa Cribbins Coos County
Tardif represents county well
Brad cares about us
As a Coos County Commissioner and first vice president of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), I have been able to work closely with Commissioner Alex Tardif in his role as treasurer of AOC. He represents Columbia County well, and the voters of Columbia County should reelect him on Nov. 3. Alex has worked tirelessly as treasurer of AOC to
I am a local business owner and I will be voting for State Representative Brad Witt. I appreciate that Brad takes a personal interest in the lives of his constituents and supports local businesses like mine. It’s been a challenging year, and it’s comforting to know that I have a representative in Salem who really get what it takes to be effective for us at home. When thousands of Oregonians were let down
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by the Employment Department, it was Brad who stood up and called for an investigation. It’s Brad who is drafting a bill to give businesses an avenue for pandemic interruption insurance. And, it’s Brad who I will be voting to reelect as state representative. Carol Cross St. Helens
Follow the money Something I’ve noticed everyone agrees on is that big money in campaign finance is bad. There is a way to combat big money in politics: Do your research. Instead of voting for the familiar face you’ve become accustomed to seeing on political signs, or an ‘R’ or ‘D’ next to their name, check out the candidates. Take for example our race for judge of the Circuit Court, 19th District, Position 3. Michael Clarke, clearly has an extensive campaign budget with street signs and a snappy Facebook page. Meanwhile the incumbent, Jenefer Grant does not. Clarke won the primary by less than 1%, despite having relatively little trial experience for someone running to be a judge. Sure, he’s a local guy. But is he the guy just because he speaks platitudes like, things aren’t right, and, we can do better?
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Jenefer Grant has been an attorney since 1992. She began practicing law in Columbia County in 1996 and has been serving as our judge since 2007 (almost as long as Clarke has been an attorney), developing relationships with county stakeholders like the sheriff’s office, and the juvenile department, working to settle cases to avoid costly and drawn-out trials, and, has endorsements from people who really know what it’s all about. So who’s the best for the job? Money in politics works. Our only defense is to make educated decisions ourselves. Vote with your brain, not your gut, bearing in mind the contents of each. H. Weston Drumheller Warren
Voting for Clarke We are not usually vocal about politics but today we would like to share our thoughts about the position open for Circuit Court Judge Position 3. Bill and I are voting for Mike Clarke. He has done legal work for us for years. Mike is a good man who puts effort into each challenge. We feel Mike is good for the position open. Good for Scappoose. Join us in voting for Mike Clarke. Bill and Sharon Carlson Scappoose
SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in/out county: $8 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80
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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 1 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. Send letters to: The Chief Attn: News Editor PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051. Email letters to: chiefnews@countrymedia.net
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Friday, October 23, 2020
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CC20-1320
CC20-1322 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF CC20-1321 PEOPLE’S NOTICE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA CLATSKANIE UTILITY DISTRICT STRATEGIC
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of JOANN DEE MARDIS, Deceased. No. 20PB06776 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims
against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P. O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain
• Proud of Tardif I am not one to air my opinions on politics, but I want to share a quick thought on this young man who is making a difference in our county. I have know Alex since he was 7 or 8 and even back then, this commissioner has had a servant’s heart, putting others’ needs ahead of his own. He was always wanting to help when he would visit: mow my yard, stack and haul hay, babysit my children, teach them to ride bikes, and help me with various outdoor chores. I recall when he was only 18 or 19, he wanted to run for the school board because he knew what kids needed. If memory serves right, he was talked out of it because he had a full load of courses at the University of Portland. Then, like all teens/young adults, he couldn’t wait to get out of the county and see the world and so he did, but quickly realized just how good home could be. (I believe that leaving home and seeing what the world has to offer is vital for ones growth.) Alex is transparent, fair, considerate, professional and takes the time to listen even if one has a differing opinion. I am not active in the world of politics, but I do know a great candidate and dedicated commissioner for our county and I am so very proud of him. Tina Gift Scappoose
Dudzic brings value to county position I am writing to encourage folks to vote for Brandee Dudzic for Columbia County Commissioner, Position 1. I am a retired 911 operator and I know what it takes to make a community safe. Brandee’s passion for investing in our youth and most vulnerable community members will pay
•V oices
additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published October 16, 2020. Lawrence Mardis, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
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huge dividends. I was so touched when Brandee opened up the law library for unsheltered folks on a snowy night before the warming shelter had opened. We need more elected officials that lead with empathy and compassion. Brandee has given to her community and her country as well, serving in the National Guard as an army field medic. They learn how to help others under some of the most grueling circumstances possible, putting their lives at risk to save others. She has learned to sacrifice for the greater good. But Brandee is more than just a good and kind person, she is highly intelligent and extremely hard working. Any person who can work full time, while obtaining her master’s degree and raising three kids has the multitasking skills needed to be successful in government. Brandee’s degrees are in social science and conflict resolution. I can’t think of any better expertise to have as an elected official than the study of relationships and resolving conflict. I hope you will join me in voting for Brandee Dudzic for County Commissioner, Position 1. Georgiana Gordon St. Helens
Dudzic cares about children As a parent in Columbia County, I look to a candidate’s platform on children, schools, and childcare as vitally important when deciding how I will vote in local elections. This election cycle, I have been dismayed that there has been little discussion from most candidates about our children. Brandee Dudzic is the only candidate that I have seen with an actual, substantial plan to invest in our youth. It is important to me that I am being represented in government by someone who understands the chal-
PLANNING MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors will hold a Strategic Planning Board Session for Monday, October 26, 2020 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The planning session will be held in the
board room of the District’s administration building located at 495 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie. COVID-19 social distancing protocols will be in place, and facial coverings will be required.
REGULAR MEETING
The Rainier School Board’s Regular Meeting will be Monday, October 26 at 6:30 p.m. A livestream link will be available on the District website.
T he C ommunit y C ontinued • •
lenges faced by parents today, especially during this time of COVID. Brandee is a mother of three children ranging in age from elementary school to college. I know that her own experiences and challenges as a working mother will be a driving force when it comes to making policy that affects working families. She is endorsed by the Oregon Working Families Party for this reason. It is essential to the prosperity of our county that our families and children have safe and stable housing. Brandee will address our homelessness crisis by advocating for the creation of a youth drop-in center and present solutions for affordable housing. Please join me in voting for Brandee Dudzic for Columbia County Commissioner, position 1. Sarah Kotkins St. Helens
Think twice about Garrett Casey Garrett is running for county commissioner, position 3. I urge you to vote no for Mr. Garrett. In his personal file and other public records I discovered many verified complaints. Mr. Garrett referred to his co-workers/staff as his “n-“words not once, but numerous times. He was banned from the jail by our former Sheriff Dickerson because he could not follow protocol concerning contraband being taken into the jail, which is against state and federal law -- and is a felony. Mr. Garrett was banned by Judge Grove from entering the Oregon Judicial Department because of inappropriate behavior, harassment, bullying and condescending complaints made by court staff. Similar complaints have been made by other county employee’s to the point where they reassigned to other county departments, retired early, quit their job, including a
dedicated 15 year employee who quit this past August. (Source for above claims: pamplinmedia.com/scs/83news/484072-390057-records-detail-garretts-clasheswith-subordinates-colleagues) Mr. Garrett treats people who are subordinate to him with disdain. His file revealed that he does not tolerate anyone’s opinion other than his own, he cannot work well with other department heads. I am asking you to join me in casting your vote for Alex Tardif, position #3, a person who treats all people with dignity and respect, and listens to every voice. And a person who is watchful for the finances of our county. Alex Tardif for county commissioner, position 3. Tammy Maygra Deer Island
Reelect Grant As a juvenile department employee in Columbia County for over 35 years, I was in a unique position to work with and observe Judge Jenefer Grant as both a defense attorney and a judge. As an attorney, she was a strong advocate for abused and neglected children; fighting tirelessly for their rights. She continues that role as a judge, holding youth-serving agencies accountable for their care. The criticism she has recently received for attempting to intervene on behalf employees of the Community Corrections Department was ill-advised and unfair. Effective probation officers are critical to the operation of the court and the safety of our community. If the complaints and allegations about their director had been handled appropriately, Judge Grant would have never been put in that position. Judge Grant has served us with great intelligence and integrity and should be reelected. Stan Mendenhall Columbia City
Re-elect Judge Grant Judge Grant has served as a judge for over 12 years, and before that she was an attorney standing in the courtroom of the current Columbia County presiding judge that has recently endorsed her, the honorable Judge Grove. Judge Grant has proven herself to the people of Columbia County through the most important values a judge must hold: being fair, dedicated, honest, firm, upholding the law and having integrity. She has a history of knowledge from criminal law all the way to family law, as well as countless testimonies and familiarity with social services. I will never forget when I was about 19 I had been talking with a judge who was currently on his ninth term and I asked how he managed to set personal feelings aside, his response was memorable. He said, “Judges do not follow their feelings, they follow the law.” This man continued and has continued to be someone who has inspired me (and many others) into retirement, and until I met judge Grant no one could compare. Judge Grant has been the voice for many, I have witnessed this first hand more than once. It is now our turn to be her voice in keeping her reputation positive and getting her reelected. Judge grant is more than just a name on a sign on the side of the road. Vote Judge Grant Nov. 3. Debbie Merry Clatskanie
Brad has earned my vote In these days of divisive politics, where many politicians use misinformation to divide and polarize us, we are lucky to have a man of Brad Witt’s character, knowledge, and skill as our representative in the Oregon legislature. I have found that Brad works
extremely hard to understand the interest of all his constituents and works to develop consensus solutions, based on facts, that can best address those multiple interests. He works to bring us together for our success, not drive us apart towards failure and frustration. This is what good government is all about. Brad demands governmental accountability, such as his insistence on a full audit of the Oregon Employment Department for their failure to get much needed benefits to unemployed Oregonians out of work due to COVID-19. Brad’s commitment to the middle class, working families, improving schools, and honoring our veterans reflects his personal values developed by someone who has worked shoulder to shoulder in our sawmills with working Americans and fighting for their benefit. Brad has been a proven leader in Salem, working with multiple stakeholders to address job creation, health care affordability, homelessness, opioid treatment, education and protecting wildlife and natural resources. Like our Senator Betsy Johnson, Brad has proven that he is willing to work tirelessly for his constituents. We need to learn to work together to solve our problems. We have more in common than what divides us. We need a uniter, not a divider. Greg Pettit Warren
Thanks for helping those in need Hooray for all the sharing and caring people in Columbia County. The many volunteers helping fire evacuees and their animals at the Columbia County Fairgrounds was amazing. For those few people who say “It’s not our problem,” I say: Tzedakah. (It’s an ethical obligation.) Rosemary Silen Warren
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Friday, October 23, 2020
HOPE Chest coming to Rainier
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Volunteers have been busy assembling and cleaning shelves to be stacked with clothing and other items for the new HOPE Chest Neighborhood Thrift Store in Rainier. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Organizers hope to open the HOPE Chest Neighborhood Thrift Store on Nov. 1. The store, located at 107 E. 1st Street, is just down the bock from Rainier City Hall and is set to be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week.
The store director, Kelly Miller, said HOPE Chest will offer the normal thrift store items, such as clothing for men, women and children, shoes, handbags, toys, books, knick knacks, kitchenware, tools, games, linens and bedding. The thrift store is an outreach from the nonprofit HOPE of Rainier, the local food pantry. Since 1988 HOPE (Help Our People
Eat), has been dedicated to providing emergency service to those in need in the greater Rainier community, according to the organization’s website. Miller directs HOPE of Rainier and she also oversees Turning Point, a social service operation in Clatskanie. She said her main reason for opening the new thrift store is to benefit the local food pantry. “With the food pantry not
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
The HOPE Chest Neighborhood Thrift Store is located on the first floor of this building at 107 E. 1st Street in Rainier. It is expected to open Nov. 1.
being able to do our yearly fundraising this year, we have been hit hard and are struggling to find other ways to bring in money to support the food pantry,” Miller said. “Without monetary support for the food pantry, the whole of the community suffers.” Miller said Rainier does not currently have a thrift store for the community. “With so many families who have lost jobs, had their
income lessened with the current state of affairs in our country, I feel it is needed for that reason,” she said. “People who have been impacted by the job losses cannot afford to supply their homes with the needed or wanted items at retail prices and offering these items a deeply discounted rate is beneficial for us all.” Miller said the HOPE Chest Neighborhood Thrift Store will mostly sell used
items but will also have brand new items for sale at reduced prices that are affordable to all. “My hope is that a new retail store in Rainier will stimulate economic growth by bringing people from out of town to shop at our location,” Miller said. For more information, contact HOPE of Rainier at 503-556-0701.
Legislation to end gas-powered vehicles sales STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D) and California Representative Mike Levin (D) have introduced legislation to end American sales of new gasoline-powered vehicles in 15 years. The two describe the proposal, Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2020, as ‘path-breaking’ legislation that would create jobs, improve health, and address climate chaos. Pollution created by gasoline engines is widely understood by the medical community to cause premature deaths and asthma attacks, and may also increase mortality among coronavirus patients, accord-
ing to a release from Merkley’s office. One in 13 Americans live with asthma, and millions of Americans who have had the coronavirus may suffer from long-term respiratory complications the release states, adding that carbon pollution from cars is also a leading cause of the climate crisis that has been driving catastrophic storms, wildfires, heat waves, and droughts. “If we don’t make things in America, we won’t have a middle class in America. And if we don’t save our planet from climate chaos, our entire economy and our nation’s public health will end up in shambles,” Merkley said. The whole world, with a
few science-denying holdouts in America, recognizes the imperative of ending carbon pollution, Merkley stated in a release “By moving aggressively and boldly now, we can help save Americans from the dire health and economic impacts of the climate crisis, and make sure American workers are the ones building the next generation of cars for the world,” Merkley said. The introduction of the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act of 2020 follows the Trump administration’s weakening of auto emission standards, and the adoption of legislation by states across America, including Oregon, to dramatically lower vehicle
pollution. Merkley said the ZeroEmission Vehicles Act would fix what is currently only a patchwork of state-level policies by setting a Federal Zero-Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) standard to boost the market for battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The standard would require that by 2025, 50% of sales for new passenger vehicles are ZEVs, and ramp up five percent each year to 100% by 2035. The ZEV standard would only be applied to the sale of new cars. The legislation is co-sponsored by Oregon Democratic Reps. Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici among others.
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connections
Pollution created by gasoline engines causes premature deaths and asthma attacks, and may also increase mortality among coronavirus patients, and is a leading cause of the climate crisis that has been driving catastrophic storms, wildfires, heat waves, and droughts, according to a release from Merkley’s office.
Showcase your business
In our calendar Showcase your business for an entire month in households throughout the county by being a part of this 14-month Calendar. The Calendar will include local photos of our surrounding areas and its activities submitted by locals and will be inserted into The Chronicle, The Chief, and sold separately. Pick a month, and showcase your business! Only 14 spots available, call your sales representative today! COSTS OF ADS:
• Full-page sponsorship banner: $500 2” height x 10.5” wide
• Date listing: $50 each • Date listing: $40 each for 5+ listings • Only one listing per date so act fast!
DATES:
Space deadline: November 25 Publishing: The Chronicle on December 16 and The Chief on December 18
Contact Amy to advertise: atrull@countrymedia.net or at 503-397-0116
Attention Columbia County Photographers We are publishing a full-color glossy calendar displaying the beauty of our county, and we want to showcase YOUR photography! Only 14 photos will be chosen. Submit your photo to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net for consideration. If selected, you will receive five free calendars along with recognition on the calendar page.
Deadline to submit your photography is Nov. 27, 2020 Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Friday, October 23, 2020
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bituaries •
Patricia “Pat” Winans
Mar. 17, 1936 ~ Oct. 19, 2020 Lifelong local resident Patricia ‘Pat’ Winans, 84, passed away Oct. 19, 2020. She was born Mar. 17,1936, in Good Hope Township, Minnesota, to William and Selmi (Lom) Siltala. Pat lived in Minnesota before moving to Portland during World War II while her father worked in the Portland Shipyards. Pat’s high school years were spent in Rainier and Clatskanie, graduating from Clatskanie High School in 1954, and moving to Goble in 1954. Pat married Ross Winans on June 6, 1954, in Clatskanie. She worked day in and day out with her husband, purchasing the dairy farm in Goble in 1965, and ran dairy cattle until 1990 before transitioning to beef cattle. In addition, Pat worked as a sales associate at Wieby’s store in Rainier, she held various roles within the Rainier School District as a teacher’s aide, cook, and administrative support. Outside
of her paying jobs, you would find her active in the PTO at Goble Elementary School. She was a member of the Beaver Homes Grange. Pat loved her grandkids, the beach, enjoyed working in her flowerbeds, gardening, and was known for being a fabulous cook. Pat particularly enjoyed the opportunity to travel, shopping trips with her girls, and lunch with her girlfriends and classmates. Pat is an avid Portland Trailblazer fan and also enjoyed watching college basketball. Pat is a kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother. People of all ages looked to Pat as a trusted friend and confidante, offering a shoulder to lean on, a smile, and that familiar laugh. Survivors are a son and daughter-in-law, Darrell and Julie Winans of Port Orchard, Washington; three daughters and sons-in-law, Jody and Rick Blackburn, and Jennifer
and Russell Crawford, all of Rainier, and Janelle and Chadd Bliss of Prosser, Washington; 21 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren. Pat was preceded in death by her husband Ross Winans; sisters, Laverna Osufsen, and Wilma Siltala; brothers, Clifford Siltala, Elmer Siltala, Dallas Siltala, Harvey Siltala, and Michael Siltala. A graveside celebration of life will be held at noon on Sat., Oct. 24, 2020 at Kobel Cemetery, Whitney Road in Rainier. If you are well, and have a mask, please join us. Should you desire to sit, please bring your own chair. The Rev. Roy Obermeier will officiate. A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fri., Oct. 23, 2020 at Groulx Family Mortuary in Rainier. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Home Health & Hospice, P.O. Box 2067, Longview, WA 98632.
Richard Reed Holmes
Dec. 14, 1936 ~ Oct. 14, 2020 Longtime Rainier resident Richard R. Holmes (Dick) passed away Oct. 14, 2020 surrounded by close loved ones. He was born on Dec. 14, 1936 in Delena, Oregon to Gettie and Nealy Holmes. He graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1955 and entered the Navy Reserves shortly after. As a young man, Dick worked in a family logging business before spending 39 years at Longview Fibre, retiring as a Paper Mill Assistant Superintendent in 1994. He and Mary Jo Dyer were married on April 22, 1961 and spent 59 wonderful years together. Dick was an active member of Nativity of the
Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, and the Clatskanie Masonic Lodge. He was known for his quick wit and kind spirit. He enjoyed traveling, especially trips to
Australia to see his family. He had a great love for sports, and was happiest when he was outdoors hunting, fishing, and camping. Dick was preceded in death by his brothers, Clifford and Joseph Holmes; and his daughter Rhonda Delaney. He is survived by his spouse Mary Jo; two daughters, Candace Guritz and Debbie (Karl) Bohlander; son Don (Dee) Holmes; and twelve grandchildren. Due to COVID limitations, the family is unable to hold a gathering to celebrate Richard’s life, but is grateful for the kindness shown by his friends and the community.
Maxine Massey
March 15, 1936 ~ Oct. 15, 2020 Maxine Massey 84, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away Oct. 15, 2020 in Rainier, Oregon.
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Clatskanie students get connected STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
As schools across the county have adjusted to online-only learning models, the need for reliable internet access has risen. Not everyone has reliable access to the internet, but in Clatskanie, administrators are working to bridge the gap. “Access has been a significant issue,” said Cathy Hurowitz, superintendent of Clatskanie School District. The district was able to secure grant funding to help provide students with internet access. A Rural Broadband Capacity Grant for $22,000 was awarded to the district. Part of the funds have allowed local internet service provider the Clatskanie Co-op to offer service at no charge for 55 households in the district. Co-operator Deborah Sumpier said there are 30 households signed up so far. The grant covers the cost of the service for the duration of the school year. “We found that a lot of the access issues were just due to cost, so that eliminates that,” Sumpier said. Before the grant allowed more people to get service, the Co-op had between 105-
Photo courtesy of Althea
Antennas like this are installed on the roofs of households using the internet service.
110 members, in Clatskanie and Westport, Sumpier said. She said expansion is always an option. “We keep going west; we’re eyeing some plans in Rainier,” she said. The Clatskanie Co-op utilizes a decentralized internet service concept that provides internet access relying on house-mounted antennas that pick up and share connections to neighbors instead of the large infrastructure, like towers, used by bigger companies. “It’s pretty cool,” Sumpier said. “It really enables us to build networks in challenging environments quickly, without having to build large
infrastructure.” Households with students in the Clatskanie School District in need of internet service can email or Facebook message the Clatskanie Co-op and a technician will reach out shortly, Sumpier said. Then a site survey will be scheduled to figure out the best place to install an antenna, and within a few days the house will be connected to the internet. The people maintaining the network are all local, Sumpier said. To learn more, or to sign up for service, visit althea. com/clatskanie or facebook. com/ClatskanieCoop.
State pinpoints local graduation rates STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Clatskanie Middle/High School is on track with meeting the state’s on-time graduation rates, according to data provided by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The at-a-glance figures show CMHS with an 83% on-time graduation rate. Rainier Junior/Senior High School, with a 79% on-time graduation rate, just barely comes ahead of Vernonia High School at 78%. Rainier’s North Columbia Academy, student body size of 46, has an on-time graduation rate of 63%. Across the county, Scappoose High School has the highest on-time graduation
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Clatskanie Middle/High School has an on-time graduation rate of 83%, according to the latest state report.
rate, at 95%. Next is St. Helens High School at 87%. The state average on-time graduation rate is 80%. The data sets released by the state usually includes class sizes, attendance data and assessments, but that in-
formation was not available this year due to the statewide transition to distance learning in March. In addition to tracking the on-time graduation rates, the state also released metrics for those who earned a high school diploma of GED within five years. Scappoose High School led the county on that metric, with greater than 95% of students finishing school within five years. The state average is 86%, which the other schools in the county hovered around. Vernonia High School had a 92% five-year completion rate; Rainier Junior/Senior High School 92%; St. Helens High School 90% and Clatskanie Middle/High School at 83%.
How COVID-19 is affecting working parents 27% of women work part time.
JESSICA NELSON Chief Guest Article
The COVID-19 recession is affecting workers and businesses around the state, but perhaps none more so than working parents, who have had their routines and their children’s routines interrupted by school closures and reduced availability of childcare outside of the home. Oregon’s largest school districts have recently announced that in-person schooling will resume in early 2021. There are no easy or obvious answers amid this fundamental shift back toward the home, and families and communities are using many different strategies to cope during this time. For businesses, a lack of dependable schedules for a solid share of the workforce is difficult to swallow, too. How much of the workforce are we talking about? Oregon’s civilian labor force includes 652,000 parents of children under 18. Working parents account for 31% of the state labor force, a similar percentage to the nation (33%). Parents of children under six years of age make up 14% of the state workforce, and those with children ages six to 17 years account for another 17%. Parents in the Beaver State have average labor force participation rates compared with parents across the nation. Nationally, 81.8% of parents with children under 18 were in the labor force in 2019, compared with 82% in Oregon. Among men, 91.3% of Oregon dads are in the labor force, slightly lower than the national labor force participation rate of 93%. The participation rate of Oregon women with children under 18 is 74%, slightly higher than the nation’s 72.3%. The vast majority of Oregon parents work Parents are more likely to be working than people without children under 18.
Conclusion
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connections
Parents have high labor force participation rates, with the vast majority in the labor force and employed. For Oregon parents, working is the norm, according to the Oregon Employment Department study.
The participation rate for the Oregon population with no children under 18 is 55.5%, compared with 82.0% of parents with children under 18. This likely reflects an aging population and an increasing number of retired people. Participation for teens and young adults has also been lower in recent years than in decades past. Labor force participation of parents differs by gender and the age of children. For parents of children under six years of age, there’s a big difference in the labor force experiences of men versus women. Of the men in this group, 92.4% are in the labor force, compared with 67.6% of Oregon mothers of children under age six. Oregon fathers in this group are slightly less likely to be in the labor force than the national average, and Oregon mothers of children under age six are slightly more likely to be working than the national average. The gender gap in labor force participation is reduced somewhat for parents of children ages six to 17. For men with children ages six to 17, the participation rate was
90.2% in 2019, and 79.4% of Oregon women with children in that age range were in the labor force. The participation rate of men with children ages six to 17 is slightly lower than the national rate (92%). Oregon women’s participation rate is a couple of percentage points higher than the national rate of 76.8% for women with children ages six to 17. For people without children under 18, the genders behave far more similarly in their likelihood of labor force participation. Men in this group had a participation rate of 59.8% compared with the women’s participation rate of 51.3%. The marriage effect Labor force participation varies depending on several factors. In addition to the age of the kids waiting for dinner at home and a worker’s gender, there’s the effect of marital status. Of Oregon’s 652,000 working parents, 507,000 – the vast majority – are married, with a spouse present. Another 145,000 have another marital status, which includes those never
married, married with spouse absent, divorced, separated or widowed. Overall, marital status didn’t have much impact on the likelihood of being in the labor force, with 81.7% of married parents in the labor force in 2019, compared with 82.8% of parents with another marital status. Married parents show a wider variation in labor force participation between genders. Married mothers are less likely to work, with a participation rate of 71.3%, while almost all married fathers of children under the age of 18 are in the labor force, with a participation rate of 91.9%. Parents with any other marital status have very similar labor force participation between genders. Oregon mothers in this group had a labor force participation rate of 80.7% in 2019, compared with a participation rate of 87.7% among fathers. Women are more likely to work part time Regardless of parental status, women are more likely than men to work part
time. Across all employed Oregonians in 2019, 14% of men worked part time and 28% of women worked part time, meaning fewer than 35 hours a week at all jobs. About 417,000 Oregon workers work part time – that’s 154,000 Oregon men and 263,000 Oregon women. About one-quarter of Oregon’s part-time workers are parents of children under age 18. The share of women working part time didn’t vary much by age or presence of children, at least in these broad groupings. It averaged 28%, with the largest share among employed females with children under the age of six at 29%. Men with children under age six were far less likely to work part time, with only 7% reporting such schedules. For those with children ages six to 17, 4% of employed men work part time. Once again, for people without children under the age of 18, the employment experiences of the genders are more similar. In this group, 18% of men and
Working parents make up about one-third of the Oregon workforce. Parents’ participation in the labor force varies depending on several factors, including the age of children, a worker’s gender, and marital status. Parents have high labor force participation rates, with the vast majority in the labor force and employed. For Oregon parents, working is the norm. The COVID-19 recession has introduced new challenges for Oregon’s working parents, as they navigate and adjust to changes in schooling and at work. Some startling numbers are emerging about the situation for women in particular. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that across the nation 865,000 women ages 20 and over dropped out of the labor force in September 2020 – four times more than the number of men who left the labor force. In coming months, we’ll learn more about how parents have been affected by recent changes. Workers continue to retire during this period as well, so the labor force changes can’t all be attributed to changes in the demands of parenting in the pandemic. The national labor force has lost 1.5 million men and 2.5 million women since September 2019. It remains to be seen how many labor force departures and job losses are permanent and how many will return as the COVID-19 crisis eases. See graphs with this story at thechiefnews. com. Jessica Nelson is an economist with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at jessica.r.nelson@oregon. gov,or at 800-262-3912, Ext 71276.
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Friday, October 23, 2020
Senior Living
Clatskanie Senior Center undergoing renovations
Photo courtesy of Dick Winders
The Clatskanie Senior Center is housed inside the Thomas J. Flippin House, known locally as The Castle, a 120-year-old Victorian mansion at 620 SW Tichenor Street in Clatskanie. MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
There has been activity at the iconic Clatskanie castle on SW Tichenor Street, but instead of senior citizens coming through the center’s doors, it’s been contractors and volunteers. The Castle, which houses programs for the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. (CSC), usually serves about 200 seniors in the area, said Deborah Hazen, board of directors member for CSC. “That has changed significantly in the past year because of COVID-19,” Hazen said. Instead, efforts have been focused on finishing
at
the restoration and remodeling project of the Thomas J. Flippin “castle.” Since 1979, CSC has owned the the Thomas J. Flippin House, known locally as The Castle, a 120-yearold Victorian mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. Typically there would be a flurry of visitors around lunchtime on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but the center won’t be able to bring back lunch services until Columbia County reaches Phase 3 of the state’s three-phased reopening plan. The lunches are the most popular events for seniors, Hazen said, but the center hosted other activities for
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seniors as well, like games, crafts, and chair yoga. The bottom basement floor of the three-floor structure is used for the majority of the center’s senior programming; the second floor is available for rent as an event or meeting space for both seniors and the general public, Hazen said. The Clatskanie Historical Society Museum is housed on the third floor. When the top two floors are complete, and it’s allowed under pandemic restrictions, Hazen said there will be tours and event rentals. There will also be two rooms available for overnight rentals, like a bed and breakfast, Hazen said.
Independent Living Assisted Living • Memory Care 2400 Gable Rd, St. Helens OR 97051 (503) 366-8070 www.AvamereAtStHelens.com
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glad we were able to “I’m come up with a program to help our seniors make ends meet.
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- Harry Price Former PUD Board Member
Columbia County’s trusted local news source
Over $500,000 has been raised to restore and remodel the castle’s interior and exterior. Hazen said the project is progressing, but is taking longer than expected because of pandemic-related challenges preventing subcontractors from completing certain portions of the work. “We hope that the entire project will be substantially done by the end of this year,” Hazen said. Much of the focus over the last several months has been on finishing the restoration project, Hazen said. As such, volunteers who might have otherwise turned to virtual programming have been working toward getting the project to its final stages instead. Hazen said the remodeling of the basement and dining room and kitchen is almost complete. “As soon as all of the cleaning is done in the next couple of weeks our kitchen volunteers will move back in and begin preparing the home-delivered meals there,” she said. The Rainier Senior Center has been making the home-delivered meals since April and volunteers from Clatskanie’s Faith Lutheran Church have been packaging and delivering them, Hazen said. For more information about the Clatskanie Senior Center or The Castle, contact Hazen at dshazen13@ gmail.com, or at 503-3388268.
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Friday, October 23, 2020
A9
Senior Living Rainier Senior Center still connecting to locals JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Since COVID-19 swept across the state and through Columbia County, the Rainier Senior Center has been forced to limit its events and activities, but is still reaching out to its members. “Our current membership has remained about the same,’ Rainier Senior Center President Jan Rich said. “We send out monthly newsletters to our members and this is their only connection with us at this time.” An ice cream social and an outdoor concert scheduled for September were postponed due to the pandemic and the smoke from regional wildfires in September. COVID-19 has also forced the cancellation of the senior center’s annual Holiday Bazaar and Thanksgiving dinner. “Unfortunately, we are very limited in what we can offer at this point,” Rich said. “We continue to do delivered meals to Rainier and Clatskanie homebound via our wonderful volunteer drivers
as well as provide take out meals for those that can drive through. We are currently providing a meeting place for seniors who choose to go over their insurance with brokers.” Despite the limitations, Rich said the center’s operations are still vital to area seniors. “The senior center continues to be an important element of the senior community,” Rich said. “Even though our contact is limited, we call our members to check up on them, try to reassure those that call in and, of course, feed our growing number of homebound.” The Rainier Senior Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to the latest center newsletter. Folks can call for take out meals by 10 a.m. at 503-556-3889. There is a $5 donation requested.
month of August equaling a total of $476. Center officials said the donations are greatly appreciated. Paying it forward
The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 West 7th Street in Rainier.
Larson. Larson came to Rainier after his discharge from the Navy in 1966. He worked in Kelso for Brudi Equipment and Hopps Chevron in Rainier. According to the newsletter, Larson has been an all around volunteer for the center for nearly 10 years. “If something needs to be done Del is right there to help out,” the newsletter states. Larson enjoys reading and playing pinochle. He is a lifetime member of the Rainier Eagles and also a
volunteer for them. Larson is also a proud father of a Columbia County Police Officer. The Rainier Senior Center thanks Del Larson for all he does for the center and the community.
Chief photo
Blood donation The center thanks all those who made the Senior Center Blood Drive a great success. American Red Cross left the center with 24 pints of blood which beats last year’s total of 22. The center thanks Judy Lepin for all the work she did to ensure this success.
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Bake sale
The Rainier Center donated several cases of water and protein drinks to the hard working fireman and the center also donated two cases of toilet paper and one case of adult diapers for the wildfire evacuees. Rainier Senior Center board members • President Jan Rich • Vice President Carla Bodenhamer • Secretary Keith Ekstrom • Treasurer Rachel Kelley • At Large Members Clint Kelley, Barbara Foster, and Sue Beavers • Newsletter Editor Beth Bailey
ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? Rainier Senior Center newsletter notes
The center is raising money by selling a variety of fresh baked zucchini bread. Plain or with chocolate chips, blueberries, pineapple or walnuts. A regular sized loaf is $5. A half loaf is $3. Call 503-556-3889 to place an order.
Cash donations
The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 West 7th Street in Rainier. For more information, call 503-5563889.
DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? The Rainier Senior Center Volunteer for October is Del
The center thanks its sponsors and its members for their donations to the Senior Center during the
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(503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Schedule for CURRENT Educational Seminars: ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR MEDICARE COVERAGE? each client’s specific needs in planning for the future and achieving their goals in an everchanging financial and regulatory environment.
ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR•CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? DOARE YOUYOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR Y Estate Planning and Personal Injury • ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU?
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ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? • one (503) 203-6724 orus (800) 424-1199 AREone YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE? Attend of our FREE educational seminars or give a call: • YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERAGE? DO YOU ARE NEED HELP THEorRIGHT PLAN YOU? Schedule for FOR Educational Semina (503)FINDING 203-6724 (800)MEDICARE 424-1199 Call for Consultation NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE PLAN FOR YOU? •Your Free DO DO YOUYOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT MEDICARE Seminars: PLAN FOR YOU? Schedule forMEDICARE Educational DO YOU NEED HELP FINDING THE RIGHT PLAN FOR YOU? • orScappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9a Attend one (503)987-1113 of ourCall FREE educational seminars give us a call: or (800)424-1199 for Your Free Consultation • Centeror- 10/05/14 • Scappoose Senior 9am 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Attend(503) one of our FREE educational seminars give us aat call: Schedule House (503)987-1113 or (800)424-1199 Attend (503) one of our FREE educational seminars orfor give usOpen a call: 987-1113 or (800) 424-1199 • 424-1199 Seminars: • 203-6724 (503) orfor (800) Schedule Educational (503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 • Medicare Advantage •Senior •• Schedule Scappoose Center - Seminars: 10/05/14 at 9am Schedule for Educational for Educational Seminars: • •Scappoose Center - 10/05/14 at 9am Medicare Senior Advantage • •• • Are you in the right Medicare Plan? Advantage •Medicare Scappoose Senior - 10/05/14 • ••Medicare Scappoose Senior Center Center - 10/05/14 at 9am at 9am Supplement • • • Medicare Supplement Do you know all your options? Schedule for Open House • • • Medicare Supplement • • •Part D (prescription coverage) • Part D (prescription coverage) for Open House • •• Schedule Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9a • • Attend one of our FREE educational seminars or give us a call: Part D (prescription coverage) • •• • ••Scappoose SeniorSubsidy Center (lower - 10/05/14 Subsidy (lower at 9am ••Low LowIncome Income Schedule House • for Open yourprescription prescription drug cost) your drug cost) • stop is an “Open House”? It is where you can in and talk to an independent • Low Incomefor Subsidy (lower your insurance agent Schedule Open House • Center Schedule forFor Open House alizes in Medicare. Ask any questions you• might have on Medicare. an up to date list of seminar Scappoose Senior - 10/05/14 at 9am • prescription drug cost) Scappoose Senior Center 10/05/14 at 9am • • • • • houses visit our website at www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com Scappoose Senior Center - 10/05/14 at 9am • is where you can stop in and talk to an independent insurance What is an “Open House”? • • •It Local Independent Insurance Agency • specializes in Medicare. Ask• any questions you might have on Medicare. For an up to date list of s re aWhat localisindependent insurance agency. are familiar all of the plans thatagent are who available in •stop an “Open House”? It is where you canWe in and talk towith an independent insurance • • open houses visit our website at www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com We25 are ayears localany independent insurance agency.have We are familiar withright allFor the an different that are and specializes we haveinover ofquestions helping individuals find the Medicare coverage for them. We Scappoose Senior Center -and 10/05/1 Medicare. Ask you might on Medicare. up toplans dateExperience list ofavailable seminars • Over 50 Years Combined • in your area and we have over 50 years of •combined experience helping individuals find the right Medicare • We are a local independent insurance agency. WeSupplements are familiar with all theAdvantage differentplans. plansWe that arewith available careopen Supplements and Medicare Advantage plans. visit our website ata www.UnderstandingMyMedicare.com coverage forare themselves. We offer Medicare and Medicare We local independent insurance agency. Wein are familiar with allwork ofCoverage. theagent planswho that are avai Wehouses are a local agency that specializes Medicare What is an “Open House”? It is where you can stop in and talk to an independent insurance inWhat your area we have overIt50 years ofyou combined experience helping individuals find the right Medicare • is anand “Open House”? is where can stop in and talk to an independent insurance agent who most all major companies. area and we have over 25 years of helping individuals find the right Medicare coverage for the Family Owned & Operated. Serving Columbia County Since the early 1900s.
ARE YOU CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE?
YOU LOOSING YOUR CURRENT MEDICARE COVERA Do you need help understanding Medicare?
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(503) 203-6724 or (800) 424-1199 Schedule for Educational Sem
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A10
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Friday, October 23, 2020
Demobilization Ceremony
Courtesy photo
Angela Kane of Keller Willams Real Estate holds her award for Realtor of the Year.
Courtesy photo
From left to right, the 2019 Community Service Award recipient Peggy Howell, Linda Bolen, the 2020 Community Serviced Award recipient and Columbia County Board of Realtors President Tammy Scamfer. The three are from John L. Scott Real Estate.
Association honors county realtors Photo courtesy of Sgt. Cory Grogan, JFHQ Public Affairs
Oregon Army National Guard Spc. Kirstin Gordon stands at parade rest during a virtual demobilization ceremony for Bravo Company, 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in St. Helens. The soldiers from Rainier, St. Helens, Scappoose and surrounding areas have been back home since late August, but it wasn’t until Oct. 17 that the troops were officially demobilized from their service in the Middle East. Read the full story and see more photos at thechiefnews.com.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Columbia County Board of Realtors (CCBR) have recognized two local members with it’s Realtor of the Year and Community Service Awards. Angela Kane, of Keller Williams Real Estate, has been awarded Realtor of the Year and Linda Bolen, of John L. Scott Real Estate,
received the 2020 Community Service Award. The Realtor of the Year Award recognizes realtor spirit, business achievements, service to CCBR, Oregon Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors, and work in the community. The Community Service Award recognizes community volunteer work. According to its website, the Columbia County Board
of Realtors has more than 130 Realtor, appraiser and affiliate members working together to make homeownership dreams come true. The 10-member Board of Directors is made up of hard-working volunteers who meet quarterly and organize monthly continuing education events and run the business of the association. For more information, contact 503-679-7590.
SAFE receives award Photo courtesy of Sgt. Cory Grogan, JFHQ Public Affairs
Vivian Rupe and Timari Prevish from Columbia County Hometown Heroes receive an award from Capt. Jake Allbright for work done to recognize soldiers in their community during a virtual demobilization ceremony for Bravo Company, 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team in St. Helens.
Food bank approved for $125,452 grant STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s (CPFB) request for $125,452 in funding from Columbia County was approved at the Wednesday, Oct. 21, board of commissioners meeting. The funds will be granted to the food bank as part of the county’s available money from the CARES Act. The county had originally committed to funding the purchase of a large refrigerator/freezer for the
organization to use in its new building, however it wasn’t certain if the project would be completed before the end of the year. CARES Act projects and grants must be completed by the end of the year. Demand for food assistance has increased by 25% since the onset of the pandemic, according to CPFB’s request for funding. In the first several weeks the increase was 75% above usual, but it leveled out over time. Due to the increase in demand, the food bank rented a storage unit to store addi-
tional food for the roughly 19 tons of food they delivered per week. The money will be used to rent another unit to store food, replace utility storage carts, purchase additional food, replace a forklift and purchase a refrigerated truck. The food bank distributes to outlets across the county, including Turning Point Community Center Food Pantry, Head Start, the Clatskanie Senior Center, Stone Soup Garden, H.O.P.E. of Rainier food pantry and the school summer meal program, among many others.
Courtesy photo
Pictured from left to right are Dena Chesney, Monica Cade, Marilyn Allen, DayBreakers President Steve Howell, Julie McCartney, Stan Chiotti, and SAFE Executive Director Ellyn Bell. STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Members of the St. Helens Kiwanis DayBreakers have presented Julie McCartney at SAFE of Columbia County with its first Community Cares Recognition Award to honor the achievements of community members that work hard behind the scenes to help others. The certificate of achieve-
ment reads: “For outstanding work in the field of Domestic Violence, providing resources for the victims of abusive relationships, and fostering a caring environment for healing to begin. For educating our younger teens and children about healthy relationships.” According to its website, SAFE is Columbia County’s only provider of confidential advocacy and emergency shelter for survivors
of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. All of SAFE’s services are free, and available to anyone affected by violence. Crisis line 503-397-6161 Toll free Crisis line 866-397-6161 For more information about SAFE, visit safeofcolumbiacounty.org.
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