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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
VOL. 132, NO. 25 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Big Guy’s Nightmare on Nehalem Street been having a lot of kids come by and take pictures with our decorations and stuff.” Last year, Davis said the children’s event drew around 250 kids to the restaurant, but she’s got candy for 800 this year. With the trick-ortreaters being downtown already after the children’s parade, Davis is hoping there will be more turnout this year. The event will be family-friendly and include games and activities for the kids as well. Above all, Davis is hoping for a fun event that brings the community together. “There’s room if anybody else wants to get involved. We’d like this to be open for the whole community; anybody is welcome,” Davis said.
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ig Guy in Clatskanie is getting in the Halloween spirit this October and will be hosting events for both adults and children to celebrate the holiday. There will be a Halloween party for adults hosted at the bar on Oct. 28 and an event for kids that they have dubbed Nightmare on Nehalem Street on Oct. 31. For the kids The Chief spoke with Big Guy owner Vicki Davis about her plans and what she’s hoping to offer the community. Davis said for a long time, Big Guy has been viewed as just a bar, and through events like this one, she hopes to foster a more family environment. “I’ve got a great big parking lot on the river, so I just reached out to different businesses, clubs, community members that wanted to pass out treats to the kids,” Davis said. “We’re going to put up pop-up tents; everybody’s decorating their own area. I asked them to pass out candy from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., but try not to run out before 7 p.m.” Davis said they have 24 booths already committed to joining the event, but if more are interested in participating, there are still 11 spots for booths available. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Posse, Wauna Credit Union, and other local organizations and families have signed up to pass out candy. In addition to passing out candy, there will be a fire, music, and hotdogs, hot cider, and hot cocoa available for sale. When asked whether Nightmare on Nehalem becoming a tradition was something she wanted,
Nightmare on Nehalem for adults
Courtesy photo from Vicki Davis
The custom Nightmare on Nehalem Street logo is an homage to late Big Guy owner Gerald “Jerry” Erhardt Weigant.
she said she hopes so. “I hope so. If it goes well and everybody is safe,” Davis said. “Of
course, the safety of our kids is the first priority. I’ve decorated down the riverfront a lot of stuff, so I’ve
Big Guy isn’t just putting an event on for kids this year; there will be a costume party at the bar for adults on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 p.m. to close. The party will have a photo booth, a trick-or-treat raffle, karaoke, and food and drinks. The theme for the party is also Nightmare on Nehalem Street, and a piece of the event is dedicated to Davis’ late father, who passed away and left Big Guy to Vicki Davis. There will be 100 custom t-shirts made that feature Freddy Krueger doing a “hang-loose” sign with his hand as a tribute to Gerald “Jerry” Erhardt Weigant. The shirts will be available for purchase, and a couple will be prizes for the raffle. Davis is expecting a good turnout for the costume party. Last year, they had about 80 people show up, and she is expecting to exceed that number this year. Tickets for the raffle can be
acquired by bringing canned goods that will be donated to Turning Point Community Services Center for their Thanksgiving drive or making purchases at the bar during the party. Attendees get one ticket per canned good, with a limit of 20 cans. At last year’s event, Big Guy also collected donations for Turning Point, and they contributed 160 cans. Davis hopes to top that number this year. “People can bring up to 20 cans of food to get a raffle ticket,” Davis said. “Every item they buy gives them a raffle ticket, and every 15 minutes, I do a drawing, and they either get a trick or a treat. I do that all night from 8 p.m. to midnight. Then we have a costume party.” The party will also feature a costume contest. Contestants take a photo at the booth and submit it to the staff for judgment. “You’re going to go through the photo booth and hang up your favorite pic, and that’s how you get picked for the costume contest that we vote,” Davis said. “ We give a prize away for the best female, the best male, best couple, and then a staff pick. And the staff pick wins happy hour price for a year.” Prizes for the contest and the raffle include a few of the custom Big Guy shirts and a variety of items donated by distributors. Some prizes are gag gifts, but there are others, like a 2-night hotel stay in downtown Portland and dinner gift cards, among others. Davis said there are about 92 prizes up for grabs. For those interested in participating in the children’s event on Oct. 31, or with questions about the party on Oct. 28, call Big Guy at (503) 728-4113.
ODOT budget shortfall means less road maintenance JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is facing significant declines in revenue and added expenses, which means Oregonians and visitors will see less maintenance along the state’s roadways in days and months ahead.
We will not be able to provide the service Oregonians have come to expect. ~ Katherine Benenati, ODOT
ODOT manages a $6.12 billion budget that funds programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads and bridges; railway; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and licensing; and motor regulation. Delivery and operations accounts for about two-thirds, or $4 billion, of ODOT’s 2023-2025 legislatively approved budget. The division spends its resources on maintaining the highway system, bridge and
Obituaries ................. A3 News and Views ...... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Police Blotter ........... A5 Sports ........................ A6 Crossword ................ A6
pavement preservation projects, adding capacity to highways, and bicycle/pedestrian projects among others. The Chief reached out to ODOT Assistant Communications Director Katherine Benenati for insight into the budget challenges. The Chief: What is ODOT’s message to drivers about the winter maintenance that may not be available? Katherine Benenati: Let me stress, that we will still be out there. But we will not be able to provide the service Oregonians have come to expect. During winter, you’ll notice more snow and ice build-up, more chain requirements, longer delays and fewer open roads. Please plan ahead: carry chains and know how to use them, check local forecasts and forecasts for where you’re going, keep an eye on tripcheck. com. We remind travelers to do these things every year. This winter, it will be even more critical. And it’s not just winter maintenance that will be affected. We’re already restricting maintenance recruitments, deferring some road and bridge maintenance, including pavement repair and
painting as well as litter removal and graffiti cleanup, and scaling back after-hours response efforts. These cuts will affect drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and freight haulers – everyone who uses the system. • You’ll see more potholes and ruts on the road, along with more trash in medians and along highways. • You’ll spend more time waiting for roads to re-open after a crash, see lowered speed limits because of poor pavement conditions and fewer ODOT responders on the road. You can learn more about our budget and regional cuts at: https:// www.oregon.gov/odot/about/pages/ transportation-funding.aspx. The Chief: What is the economic factor that is likely leading to less winter maintenance? Benenati: There are a few, namely declining revenues and rising costs for materials, labor and equipment. Revenue from the gas tax is on track to decline as vehicles become more efficient while the cost of doing business has increased
Courtesy photo
ODOT warns that during winter, you’ll notice more snow and ice build-up, more chain requirements, longer delays and fewer open roads.
rapidly in recent years. To balance our budget, we are scaling back maintenance and services around the state. Until the state establishes a sustainable revenue source, these cuts will only become more severe. We cannot fund maintenance or direct services by redirecting funding from other areas like our transit or electric vehicle charging programs, nor can we pull from federally funded or toll-funded construction projects like the major
interstate projects planned in the Portland area. Our funding structure was established decades ago. It has failed to keep pace with the evolving needs of the multimodal infrastructure Oregonians have come to rely on statewide and it needs structural reform. The Chief: What solutions is
See ODOT Page A4
Annual Kiwanis Gala returning WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
The Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie is hosting its annual Kiwanis Gala, which is the largest fundraiser the organization puts on to support its many projects and scholarships to Clatskanie High School students. The gala will take place at the American Legion Hall at 930 NE 5th St., on Nov. 4. Organizer and Kiwanis Club Secretary Sandy Davis is expecting about 130 people to attend the fundraiser. “It is our largest fundraiser for this club. All of the money raised goes towards the many projects that we support here in town, as well as scholarships to Clatskanie High School students, and to the chance to become a scholarship program that is operated by Columbia Learning Center,” Davis said.
Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051
Courtesy photo from Sandy Davis
Mark Kuhn acting as the auctioneer as former Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson displays an item up for bid.
See GALA Page A6
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150 attend dinner honoring veterans
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•C rossword S olutions • •
Solution for the Oct. 20, 2023 crossword puzzle
Courtesy photo from Laurey White
The fundraiser brought in approximately $9,000. LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article
The Eastern Star Wabanang Chapter of Clatskanie latest fundraiser included a festive atmosphere, dinner, an auction and music. The Wabanang chapter has been active in Clatskanie for 107 years, according to Jackie Groulx, chapter president and the hostess for the event. “We were so proud we had 150 in attendance at the event and 40 to-go-orders,” Groulx said. One of the chapter’s projects is helping PAVE or Paws Assisting Veterans, whose mission is to train and provide service dogs to veterans who may be suffering from psychological and or physical impairments. The dogs are at no cost to the veterans, though it costs $42,000 for PAVE to provide lifelong follow-up training and support.
Proceeds also went to the Clatskanie Veterans Memorial Wall for its expansion. Funds are being raised to help pay for the construction of a new wall to honor those Clatskanie residents who served in the armed forces. Approximately $9,000 was raised from the event, with proceeds benefiting the two charities. Servers at the event were students of Piercing Arrow Private School, who, along with school principal Lori Sherman, made sure the evening went smoothly. “The school and the students have been asked to serve at multiple functions in the community,” Sherman said. “We setup, we serve and we do clean up. The students need community service hours for graduation from high school, but we also allow middle school students to help.” “I have amazing students and I want them to learn
that giving back to a community is more important than receiving,” Sherman added. “There are many ways to contribute your time, efforts and talents. We count it as a privilege to be able to work alongside great people like Jackie Groulx who has amazing events to honor veterans.” Organizers said the auction added an exciting element to the evening with handsome homemade items, many of them featuring horseshoes. There were elaborate jewelry offerings, a patriotic quilt, candle holders, a coat tree, and tickets to Seattle Seahawks games. “Events like this are needed in our small town because without the support of organizations and the community, the memorial would not be built,” Jackie said. “I support the wall being built and the importance of getting it done,” she continued. “Many of our veterans
gave their lives for our freedoms and I am proud of this opportunity to have this event and future events to support them and the need for the wall to be built and the dogs to be trained.” About Eastern Star Other events that will be sponsored by the Eastern Star are a Bunko night, complete with chili and cornbread, to be held on Nov. 4 at the Masonic Hall at 6 p.m. and a Spring Luncheon on Apr. 20, 2024 at the Legion Hall. The Eastern Star order originated in the mid-19th century by Dr. Rob Morris, who was a Freemason. He decided that he wanted to share the principles of Masonry with women. He and his wife developed the concepts and beliefs that then formed the foundation for the Order of the Eastern Star, according to easternstar.org.
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) joined 43 other state financial agencies in reaching a settlement with ACI Payments Inc. (ACI), for erroneously initiating electronic transactions totaling $2.3 billion from the accounts of 480,000 mortgage-holders nationwide. By the numbers State regulators levied $10 million in fines through a multistate enforcement action. In Oregon, there were over 13,000 erroneous ACH entries affecting nearly 5,000 accounts. The dollar value of transaction in Oregon alone was over $23 million. Additionally, 50 state attorneys general, including the Oregon Attorney General
Ellen Rosenblum, levied an additional $10 million in fines to ACI, in coordination with state regulators. Before the settlement, the erroneous charges were corrected by ACI. ACI Payments, a subsidiary of ACI Worldwide Corp., is a state-regulated money transmission business licensed in Oregon and nearly all other U.S. states (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System ID 936777). ACI acts as a vendor for mortgage servicing companies by processing borrowers’ mortgage payments through its Speedpay platform. What happened? State regulators determined that ACI erroneously used live customer data in a test of its Speedpay platform, causing unauthorized
mortgage payments to be processed from customer accounts. State regulators commenced a multistate money transmission investigation reviewing all aspects of the event. The state regulators believe the error was due to defects in ACI’s privacy and data security procedures and technical infrastructure. “DFR will use its enforcement authority against companies that fail to have sufficient data security and internal controls in place to protect Oregon consumers,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “This settlement demonstrates how state regulators and state attorneys general can work together to hold companies accountable, and to ensure consumers can confidently and securely pay their loans online without fear of unauthorized payments being made on their behalf.”
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has issued a $5,200 fine against Stimson Lumber’s Clatskanie mill for a failure to complete mandatory oil and grease monitoring in the first quarter of 2023. According to their General Water Pollution Control Facilities permit, Stimson is required to provide adequate data on their waste water discharge to ensure they are staying within the threshold of harmful pollutants. On this occasion, the fine is not because the company overtly contributed to pollution, but rather that they failed to properly monitor the level of pollution in a three month period. It is worth noting that the DEQ stated in their fine that Stimson sent a supplementary sample in the second quarter of 2023, and have already conducted further training on the permit’s specific requirements. Stimson, who have been operating in Oregon since the year 1889, have a whole page dedicated to their sustainability efforts on their website. This page references their practicing of a “stewardship ethic” and their commitment to the Sustainable Forest Initiative. Despite these efforts, this is the third fine Stimson has accrued in a 10 year period. In 2014, Stimson received a $3,600 fine from the DEQ for a similar monitoring and reporting failure for not
meeting the requirements of the air quality permits at their facility in Gaston. As previously reported, the same facility in Gaston received another fine in 2020 to the tune of $33,000. They were docked the sum for further failings in monitoring and reporting air pollution, and for exceeding acceptable levels of a certain hazardous air pollutant. The Chief reached out
to Stimson for a statement, but Stimson Lumber did not offer elaboration or comment. It is understood that there will be no appeal from Stimson in regards to the DEQ’s fine. The company has not appealed a fine since 2010, where it had been docked a reported $14,600 for a combination of permit violations. This is the first fine reported for the Clatskanie facility.
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•O bituaries • •
Gregory Alan Brown
May 17, 1956 ~ Oct. 13, 2023 Gregory Alan Brown passed away on Oct. 13, 2023, at the age of 67, in Longview, Washington after a short battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Greg was born on May 17, 1956 in Longview, Washington and was raised in Rainier, Oregon by his parents Betty and Garland Brown. Greg was married to and later divorced Cindy Brabham in 1979, they had three children together. He lived several years in Monmouth, Oregon while his kids were growing up before returning to Rainier. Greg attended and graduated from Rainier High School and later pursued higher education at Eastern Oregon State College and Oregon College of Education (WOU) where he played college basketball. Throughout his career,
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Greg worked for The Market Place, Boise Cascade, Marquis Spas, Georgia Pacific, and Teevin Brothers. When not busy with work, Greg enjoyed spending his free time enjoying his hobbies. He found solace in fishing with his dog Lola on the banks of the Columbia River. Greg also
actively participated in intramural softball and basketball games in his younger years. He loved classic rock music and had a special knack for tracking college and professional sports. Greg is survived by his children, Trisha Smith (Brandon), Ryan Brown (Shobi), and Kary Brown. He was a proud grandfather to Matilda Smith, Elliott Smith, Kira Brown, and Karly Brown. Greg was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth Anderson “Betty,” father James Brown “Garland,” and step-father Gerald Anderson. A celebration of life will be held at noon on Nov. 4, 2023 the “Old Hall,” 103 West C Street in Rainier, Oregon. Gregory Brown’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
Harley Delbert Schmuck Feb. 8, 1934 ~ Sept. 29, 2023 Harley was born on Feb. 8, 1934 in Springwater Township, Minnesota. He retired from Weyerhaeuser. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping with family and friends, playing games (dice, cards and dominos), and meeting his friends for coffee. Harley was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind his
daughter Karen Davids (Rus); son Gary Schmuck (Patty); grandchildren; and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife June; mother Alice; father Elvin; sister Deanna Ray; sister Gloria Jones; and grandson Tony Davids. Harley had nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that were a big part of his life.
Susan “Susie” Gressett
Sherry Lauraine (Dolson) Long Feb. 12, 1945 ~ March 16, 2023
Sherry Lauraine (Dolson) Long was born on Feb. 12, 1945 on a navy base in Ft. Pierce, Florida while her father was overseas during World War II. Vascular dementia was impactful for her during her last decade and was the cause of her death on March 16, 2023 in Milwaukie, Oregon. Sherry spent her early years in Amityville, New York and her middle and high school years in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. She was an exceptional student and received accolades for her writing and art. After graduating from Williams High School, she attended the Art Institute of Chicago, and then graduated from The City College of New York. She earned her master’s degree in library science from the Pratt Institute. She nurtured a lifelong love of books and libraries, and worked for the Brooklyn Public library system, served on the board at the Clatskanie, Oregon public library, and volunteered at every library that she encountered both at her children’s schools as well as small and large libraries in all of the places where she lived throughout her life. She co-founded and co-owned the feminist bookstore Women’s Works in Park Slope, Brooklyn in 1977, which hosted book clubs, a unique lending library, and was an important gathering space for women until it closed in 1981. Sherry lived in many
places throughout her life, including: Long Island, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, New York; Stockbridge, Massachusetts; Chicago, Illinois; San Francisco and Oroville, California; San Miguel De Allende, Mexico; Coconut Grove, and Marianna, Florida: Kalama, and Tacoma, Washington; Moulton, Alabama; Clatskanie, Portland, Milwaukie, Philomath, and Oregon City, Oregon. She was adored by those who knew her, and those who didn’t know her longed to. She was a faithful correspondent and maintained many close friendships through beautifully written letters, relevant newspaper clippings, book suggestions, poems, and photos over many decades and long distances. She was a voracious reader and would give thoughtful consideration to literary classics as well as small town newspapers. Collage was her primary artistic medium,
and she had a lifelong love of creating beautiful collages from found objects. She was predeceased by her mother Violet Louise Dolson; father Frank James Dolson II; sister-in-law Rosemarie Dolson; and her beloved dogs, Katie and Maggie. She is survived by her husband of 43 years, Steven Long of Milwaukie, Oregon; brother Frank “Jim” Dolson III (Beth) of Stockbridge, Massachusetts; sister Melanie Dolson Wagner (Paul) of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts; former husband Ben Huberman of Miami Beach, Florida; son Jesse Long (Kylie) of Portland, Oregon; daughter Elizabeth Long of Silver Lake, Indiana; daughter Franny Huberman (Bob) of Monterey, Massachusetts; grandson Jonah Huberman Carlson of Northampton, Massachusetts; granddaughter Ella Violet Huberman Carlson of Northampton, Massachusetts; three nieces, Carrie, Stephanie, and Chloe; one nephew Jeremy; and eight great nieces and great nephews. Sherry’s ashes were spread in the Pacific Ocean, and formal celebrations of her life were private. Memories of her life will endure in the hearts of all who loved her. For those wishing to contribute in her name, please consider the Clatskanie Public Library District located in Clatskanie, Oregon.
March 29, 1956 ~ July 8, 2023 Susan Elaine Gressett, age 67, of Clatskanie, Oregon passed away unexpectedly at home on July 8, 2023. She was born on March 29, 1956 to Lynn E. and Martha Sue Davis. Susan, known to all as Susie, was kind, caring, friendly and feisty natured. She will be remembered for many things, some being her great sense of humor, and love for her family and animals; she especially loved her children, grandbabies, grand-furbabies, kitty Trina, and the color purple. Susie is survived by her two sons, Kenneth R. (Krystina) Gressett and Karl J.
(Lynzee) Gressett; grandchildren, Brittaney (Chris), Shad, Kyra, Daymon, Brooklyn, Kaiden, Mollee, Kendra,
Corrinne, Kaleb, and Lyka Gressett; two sisters; niece; nephew; and great-nephews. Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Lynn E. and Sue Davis; niece; and best friend Lowell Gish. Susan will be deeply missed by her family, whom she fiercely loved, and all who knew her. Susie was a ray of kindness and happiness to all faces around Clatskanie. We Love You to the Moon and Back; and miss you more than words. A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Susan’s life.
Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill donates funds SUBMITTED
The Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill has contributed $4,500 to Westport Fire & Rescue to be used towards the purchase of wildland fire turnout gear. “Westport Fire was one of the first to respond to the scene at the Broken Gate fire. It highlighted the need for new turnout gear that is specific to Wildland fires. We appreciate this donation from the Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill, so our volunteers have the appropriate gear to respond to wildland fires,” notes Chief Brody. About Wauna Located near Clatskanie, Oregon, the Wauna Mill has
Courtesy from Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill
Georgia-Pacific Wauna Mill Plant Emergency Organization Team Members, Charles Gallager and Shawn Winton present a check to Westport Fire for wildland turnout gear.
been providing careers in the community since 1965. Our employees produce nationally branded consumer products that you use in your homes everyday. The
Wauna Mill is a proud manufacturer of Angel Soft™ bath tissue, Brawny™ and Sparkle™ towels, Vanity Fair™ and other commercial brands.
Clatskanie Youth Soccer Club AGM Our Clatskanie Youth Soccer Club AGM meeting this year will be at Fultano’s at 7pm, on Tuesday November 28th, 2023.
This is an open meeting for everyone to attend, ask questions and meet board members. If you are interested in getting involved with local youth recreational soccer, please join us. We are always in need of new members. All Board positions are open!
OBITUARIES DEADLINE: WEDNESDAYS BY NOON Submit obits to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net or call 503-397-0116 for more info
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•C ommunity E vents • •
October 28 Free Halloween Movie Doors open at 2 p.m. Movie starts at 2:30 p.m at Clatskanie Cultural Center/Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie. Kids and parents are invited to come in costume, G-rated, family-friendly movie filmed in St. Helens. Free popcorn and treats to take home. Sponsored by Clatskanie Foundation. October 28 Comedy Night at the Birkenfeld Theatre 7:30 p.m. at the Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem with Paige Weldon. Visit eventbright.com for tickets. 2 for 1 ticket special available now. 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. November 7 Free Diabetes Testing 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in Community Room at Columbia Pacific Food Bank, 1421 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens. Diabetes is a global epidemic - Get tested for free! Sponsored by St Helens Lions Club of Lions Clubs International in cooperation with Columbia Health Services. Up to 30 tests available. November 12 Oregon Symphonic Band performance honoring veterans 3 p.m. at the Donavon Wooley PAC at Clatskanie Middle/ High School. Veterans, band students and children admitted free. Tickets available at clatskaniearts.org. 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 360-7517039. 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.
Weekly Online Poll
Last Week’s Results
Will you or your family go trick-ortreating this year?
Are you going to decorate for Halloween?
Yes
No
29.6% Yes, I already put them up! 15.9% Yes, but not ye 54.5% No
Vote online at thechiefnews.com
ODOT From Page A1 ODOT pursuing or will seek to resolve the funding challenge? Benenati: The good news is that there are plenty of options to solve this structural funding issue. One option would be to expand our pay-per-mile, or Road Usage Charge program. This program charges drivers per mile. It’s very similar to the gas tax in that the more you drive on the road, the more you pay to maintain and improve it. But unlike the gas
tax, this program wouldn’t unintentionally subsidize higher-income drivers who are more likely to own efficient or electric vehicles. Instead, every driver would pay based only on how much they use the system. Revenue could also be raised through registration or other vehicle fees, or the gap could be filled with funding from non-transportation sources. And while the gas tax won’t last forever, increasing or indexing it for inflation would help cover the cost of maintaining the system. We are encouraged by the actions of the Oregon Legislature to address the near-term funding issue
at DMV during this most recent legislative session and look forward to working with our partners to propose sustainable funding solutions for adoption by the state. The Chief: Feel free to add any additional comments you might have. Benenati: I wanted to stress two things: One the importance of maintenance and two what travelers can do this winter. These cuts are difficult for us to make. We take pride in our work and know that Oregonians rely on us. Maintenance does just what it sounds like. It helps us maintain our statewide net-
The Chief
David Thornberry Publisher
Will Lohre Editor
Jeremy C. Ruark Regional Executive Editor
•
•V iewpoints • •
An open letter from Columbia River Fire & Rescue SUBMITTED BY CRFR Chief Guest Column
The Columbia River Fire and Rescue Board of Directors is currently working through several issues of significance to our community, District employees, and our Fire District. We want to acknowledge that this is a time of frustration and uncertainty for many. We volunteered for the elected office knowing this would be a difficult road. Your Board has already made some tough decisions. There is likely to be more to follow. Because of the complex nature of the issues and challenges facing us, we realize these cannot be solved overnight. We are in the process of determining the right things to address, the priorities, and the correct ways in which to proceed. Our community is aware of several key challenges facing Columbia River Fire and Rescue. Most important of all, your Board is working to ensure the financial stability of the Fire District both immediately and in the long term. As a Board, we are working together with staff and other professionals to gain a complete understanding of where we are now, what we need to understand about how the District got here, and the best course of action to ensure the District’s future work that is a lifeline for our economy and does so much more than get people from point A to Point B. Maintenance work helps our staff identify and address small issues before they become big problems. Completing the right work at the right time makes our infrastructure safer, last longer, run smoother and is cost effective in the long run. Here’s what we’re encouraging drivers to do: • Check Tripcheck.com and your local forecast before you travel. • During winter months, prepare for the possibility of extended delays, closures,
financial stability. Many in the community are demanding our prompt answers and immediate action. We hear you, share and understand your frustrations. The women and men who serve as professionals for the Columbia River Fire and Rescue do amazing work every day, service you in your time of emergency needs and keeping our community safe. Everyone in our service area relies on the Fire District and the Board of Directors to provide great service, to be fiscally responsible, and to communicate with transparency. Our community and employees of CRFR deserve the best from us. As a Board, we intend on giving you that. Since the election, the Board has been working hard to “catch-up” and get up to speed on the budget, legal challenges, financial challenges, staffing issues, and planning and addressing leadership options. The work is extensive and the information we need to digest to make good decisions is tremendous. We have heard your frustration and the requests some of you have made to us. As your Board, we are asking the public to give us time to accomplish the work necessary so that we can move the District as appropriate and master the details necessary to provide correct
answers transparently. Obviously, we cannot provide information we do not have, and until the District Attorney completes the gathering of information and the examination by Mr. Moody and the Oregon State Police enable understanding, we cannot provide information because, as has been addressed, the records and information does not exist at the District. We know this is extraordinary - and we are beholden to the District Attorney, Mr. Moody, and the Oregon State Police for the facts and explanation. Considering all that has happened, we understand the desire of many for immediate action. Because CRFR provides such a critical service to the community, it is very important that we make the right decisions. This must be done based on accurate information. We are in the process of getting that accurate picture and with some time, will make decisions that will ensure that Columbia River Fire and Rescue is on a firm foundation today and in the future.
more chain restrictions, and varying degrees of traction as they navigate roads. • With smaller budgets for staff and materials needed to plow, sand, and deice, the potential for traffic jams and crashes increases. Incidents will take longer to clear. • Be prepared for extended delays by giving yourself extra time to make your trip. • Carry a fully stocked emergency kit, including a phone charger and weatherappropriate clothing, and refuel or recharge their tanks often. • Make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared to drive on snow and ice.
Use traction tires and carry chains. If you are not comfortable driving on slick roads, consider using public transportation to get where you need to go. • If you are traveling on low volume roads, expect a rougher trip than you are used to. Pavement in these areas will decline, so slow down and stay focused on the road ahead. • Use the yellow center line for guidance in low visibility weather. Many roads will not have the white line on the side repainted.
The Chief (USPS 116-360) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051
Jon Campbell Advertising Sales
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chief PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051
Kelli Nicholson Office Manager
Sincerely, Columbia River Fire and Rescue Board of Directors Austin Zimbrick Richard Fletcher Ryan Welby Kelly Niles
Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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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.
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Public Notices
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CC23-1855
CC23-1857
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE For Sale by public auction ers, Manager of the Park, at THE STATE OF OREGON FOR at 10:00am on Monday, Octo503-455-9911 prior to the ber 30, 2023: Abandoned Moto inspect the home. The THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA bile Home formerly belonging sale sale will be held at the home’s 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 after the date of first publication of this notice to the
personal representative at P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published October 13, 2023. Leona Gibson, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
to Brian Montgomery and Lynnea Scarth. The mobile home is located at Westport Villas II Mobile Home Park, 91155 Old Mill Town Road, Space No. 28. The home is a 1974 singlewide 2 bedroom/1 bath, 784 sq ft., X-Plate No. 00110402. Interested buyers may contact Ansara Say-
All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. Rainier Police Department October 1 • An officer responded to check on suspicious vehicles parked
at the marina. • An officer checked on individuals who were reportedly camping at the marina. • Suspected drugs were found at a local business. They were turned in to be destroyed. October 2 • A boat motor was stolen from a vessel that was moored at the marina. • A caller reported finding a stray dog. October 3 • A subject called to report their vehicle stolen. The sequence of events the victim was reporting to the officer did not make any sense and the victim declined to sign a declaration of theft. Later, a concerned citi-
NOTICE OF MEETING The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor). Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the October 4th, 2023 regular meeting, the introduction
of the new Public Works Director and presentations from candidates to fill the City Council seat opening. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Oct. 27th, 2023. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie. com. Please call City Hall at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.
The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
• The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.
location. Sealed bids will not be accepted. The home may remain in the park as long as it is owner-occupied by a person approved for tenancy by Westport Villas II Mobile Home Park. Purchaser must be approved as a tenant prior to occupying the home and/or must sign a storage agreement.
CC23-1859
•B lotter • •
zen called about a suspicious vehicle that had been parked on 3rd Street overnight with a dog, cell phone and purse in it. It was determined that this was the ‘stolen’ car and it was parked near the bar where the victim and their friend had been the previous evening. The owner was contacted and they retrieved their vehicle. October 5 • A concerned citizen requested a welfare check on a subject that they suspected may have overdosed on drugs. The individual checked out okay. October 6 • A person who was ‘camping’ in the parking lot of a business
was formally trespassed. • An officer checked on the welfare of a suspicious person sitting on the bridge. They were fine. October 8 • A woman reported that her ex was violating a no-contact order via text message. The case was forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office. October 9 • A driver reported that they were rear-ended while driving on Dike Road. The suspect vehicle did not stop. The victim drove home before calling and did not have a very good description of the suspect vehicle.
October 10 • An officer responded to a burglar alarm. Upon arrival, it was discovered that a vehicle had backed into a business, causing substantial damage, and a subject attempted to steal the ATM machine. The case is under investigation. • An officer was called to assist with a subject that was having a mental health crisis. October 11 • A caller reported a violation of a restraining order. An officer went to talk to the victim, but they had already left the establishment. The case is pending investigation. October 13 • A driver reported being the
victim of a hit and run on Highway 30. • A caller was reported seeing flames and believed a car to be on fire near the Shell Station. Upon arrival, it was determined that Ferrel Gas was filling the propane tank, and the visible flames were just part of the process. • A citizen said that her ex was continuing to harass her violating his release agreement. The case was forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office. • An officer responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash on Highway 30 near Mill Street. No injuries were reported, however, there was substantial damage to the vehicles involved.
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Clatskanie Volleyball playoff preview WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
The volleyball regular season is over, and only the best of the best remain. The 2023 OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union 2A Volleyball State Championship bracket consists of 16 teams that will battle it out to see who the top dog is. Clatskanie comes into the tournament as the #9 seed after an impressive 10-4 regular season and a 15-8 overall record. The Tigers qualified for state as the third team in the 2A-1 Northwest League. They will face #8 seed Santiam away on Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. How to watch Ticketing: Tickets are $10 for Adults or $6 for students. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at https://www.osaa.org/shop/ tickets Location: Santiam High School, 300 SW Cedar St., Mill City, OR 97360 Live Stream: For those who are unable to attend, the game will be streamed online at https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/santiamhigh-school-mill-city-or/ gam85b321ed93 (fees may be required) Road to the first round After a tough League Playoff loss to Gaston on
GALA From Page A1 Auction event The event will begin at 5 p.m. and will start with a silent auction and raffle tickets for sale. At 6 p.m., dinner will be served, and the event is being catered by the Berry Patch Restaurant from Westport. A live auction will be the night’s final event, starting at 7 p.m. with the event wrap-
The Clatskanie Volleyball team will face Santiam in the playoffs away from home on Oct. 28.
Courtesy photo from Amy Mustola
Oct. 19, Clatskanie cemented their playoff berth with a League Playoff game against Nestucca on Oct. 21. “Won our playoff game against Nestucca. We are headed to state,” Head Coach Amanda Baker said. “Picked up the offense today. “Setter Joey Sizemore had a tremendous game, dished out 17 assists, and had six aces. Lacey Willis helped her setters out, passing dimes all day.”
In the win against Nestucca, it was a team effort. Five of the team’s players contributed to the Kill-o-Meter during the game. Natalie Baker contributed 11 kills, Lacey Willis 7, Joey Sizemore 5, Olivia George 4, and 3 from Mya Jensen. In the lead-up to the playoffs, Baker said that the team has been hype focused, and the intensity at practice has leveled up. Baker said the
team has lived and breathed volleyball for the last two months, and each player wants to carry that commitment into the playoffs. “We are taking it one game at a time moving forward. Practices have been kicked up a notch. The coaching staff is pushing the girls, and they are pushing each other. They are a competitive group of girls who want to win,” Baker said. “Every-
thing at practice is turned into a competition; they thrive off it. I’m most proud of how they have come together as a team.”
ping up around 9 p.m. Mark Kuhn is the auctioneer, a role he has filled for the event for years. Some of the prizes up for grabs during the auctions will be a guided sturgeon trip, a weekend at the Embarcadero Resort Hotel in Newport, items donated from the Lone Pine Film Festival, jewelry from the Diamond showcase, and a basket of cookies from Cryptid Cookies, among many other prizes. “Clatskanie High School, the shop teacher gets his kids to work and
they create some beautiful things, too. So there will be some woodworking things done,” Davis said. “We’re expecting a large garden bench from him. Some very unique items will be there.”
said, it’s a great fundraiser. People have a good time, we raise a lot of money to support all of the things we do,” Davis said. Last year, the auction raised over $23,000, and after covering the event’s costs, the final total was around $20,000. Davis said that is about the average the fundraiser brings each year. Tickets to the event are $45 per person, and though they generally don’t sell tickets at the door and have limited space, Davis said they have about eight to ten tickets still available for the
event. To get a sneak peek at some of the items that will be up for auction, Davis said there are some on display at the Umpqua Bank and in the window of the Statefarm office.
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This is about the 23rd year that the event has taken place, with the only interruptions being COVID-related in 2020 and 2021. Davis said they work for months preparing for the event, but it is worthwhile. “We work for months on this, but it pays off! Like I
Who they will face The Tigers will face off against Santiam in what looks like a pretty evenly matched contest. Santiam finished their regular season with a 9-6 record in their league and
Sponsorship opportunities In order to support the event, Kiwanis solicits sponsorships from businesses in the area. Some of the key sponsors this year are Kinsey Construction, the Clatskanie PUD, Evenson Logging, and Next Re-
a 16-8 record overall. Santiam qualified as the third team out of the 2A-2 Tri-River Conference and, in their last seven games, have a 4-3 record. The Tigers have the same record over their last seven games, and neither team will clearly have an edge momentum-wise. One indicator that could be a positive for the Tigers is that, while the two teams haven’t played many of the same opponents, The Tigers beat Delphian during their non-league preseason game 2-0. Santiam is in the same league as Delphian and only narrowly defeated them 3-2 on Oct. 4. With the teams so close in overall record and seeding, the game will be up for grabs. The Tigers will hope to strike with their quick, versatile offense early and never look back. While every game from now on is “win or go home,” to be in this position is exciting for Baker, especially with the team being so young. While they graduated seven seniors last year, the team has ridden the wave all the way to the first round of the playoffs. “So proud of this group of girls and excited for the opportunity to compete at state,” Baker said. Follow Clatskanie Middle/High School scores at osaa.org and in the Friday print editions of the Chief. newables. They are always hoping for more sponsors so they can maximize the funds they raise. “We’d always love to have more sponsors,” Davis said. “That way, it offsets most of the cost of actually putting on the event, and then we don’t have to worry about using money that we raised to pay for the haul or the auctioneer and so forth.” To sponsor the event or inquire about tickets, contact Sandy Davis at 971-260-7652.
•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE 1940s
ACROSS
1. Sylvester Stallone’s “____ King” 6. And so forth, abbr. 9. Mongolian desert 13. Uniate church member 14. Additionally 15. Modified “will” 16. Heart surgery prop 17. Remains container 18. Follow 19. *Thor Heyerdahl’s raft 21. *Jackie Robinson’s new team, 1947 23. *Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr., born in 1942 24. Animal prod 25. Give a nickname 28. Dwarf buffalo 30. Edible corn part 35. Functions 37. *____ Strip on Mediterranean Sea, 1948 39. Roman goddess, patroness of hunters 40. *Moscow ____ cocktail, created in 1940s 41. Beach souvenir 43. Inspiring horror 44. Not long 46. Home to Bryce Canyon 47. Smoothie bowl flavor 48. Become available (2 words) 50. Links hazard
52. Mozart’s “L’____ del Cairo” 53. Back of the neck 55. Transgression 57. *Carmen of “The Gang’s All Here” 61. *United _____, established 1945 65. Popeye’s sweetie 66. *The BAA and NBL merged, forming this ball org., 1949 68. Battle royal 69. Denigrating statement 70. What divots and divas have in common 71. Audience’s approval 72. Lad’s counterpart 73. Number on a birthday cake 74. Not o’er
DOWN
1. Poacher’s trophy 2. “Do ____ others...” 3. Bank claim 4. *1947’s “Here Comes ____ Claus” 5. King of the Huns 6. Purse for the red carpet 7. High craggy hill 8. Type of dwelling 9. “The ____ Show” (19761980) 10. Yorkshire river 11. Hangover memory?
12. 15th of March 15. Tied the knot 20. *Leopold III of Belgium and Christian X of Denmark, e.g. 22. Acorn producer 24. Common newspaper name 25. *”When I See an Elephant Fly” elephant, 1941 26. Steal a throne 27. Misrepresent 29. *Pearl Harbor location 31. Capital of Latvia 32. Narcotics agent 33. *Considered first generalpurpose computer, acr. 34. a.k.a. vampire 36. Espied 38. a.k.a. Daminozide 42. ____ Apso 45. Tornado visual 49. Helicopter landing 51. Coal miners 54. Bear of bamboo forest 56. Brother’s daughter 57. Gangster’s gal 58. Hip bones 59. Barbecued anatomy 60. Birds 61. Part of cathedral 62. Cantina cooker 63. Sans mixers 64. Comedian Meyers 67. *”The ____ Sleep,” 1946
Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief.
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