K-3 students back to school on Monday Courtesy photo
Oregon has had a 57% increase in hospitalizations since Nov. 3 and an 83% increase in the past four weeks.
COVID-19 surge threatens hospitals MAX KIRKENDALL
newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net
COVID-19 cases are on the rise, again. Seven new COVID-19 cases were reported in Columbia County Wednesday, Nov. 11, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). The cases reported today bring the county’s total case count up to 324 since the pandemic began. Across the state and country, a surge of cases are being reported. There were 876 cases reported in Oregon on Wednesday, following a trend of high case counts reported in the past week. Since the onset of the pandemic, there have been 52,770 cases reported in Oregon and 742 deaths. Two pandemic-related deaths have occurred in Columbia County, one in early August and one in early October. Hospitals reaching critical capacities
COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are threatening the state’s health care systems, and help is needed to flatten the curve. That is the direct and clear message from Oregon Governor Kate Brown to Oregonians. During a Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10 press conference, Gov. Brown outlined the challenges that Oregon hospitals are starting to face as the COVID-19 cases skyrocket. The state reported 988 cases on Saturday, Nov. 7— the highest number of new daily cases reported since the pandemic began. Daily new cases have soared, often over 700 for the state. “We all know that COVID-19 cases are surging across Oregon,” Brown said. “Over the weekend, we saw daily case rates near a thousand and yesterday I announced that nine Oregon counties will be starting a two week pause as of Wednesday on social activities to help us slow the spread of COVID-19.” Brown said their fears of the virus spreading in the winter months is starting to come to fruition, but the goal is still to continue saving lives and avoid overwhelming health care systems. To do that, the state is ensuring that they have enough hospital beds, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and staff to provide life-saving care. “This is very serious, Oregon is headed on the wrong road,” Brown said. “While we have plans in place to share beds and ventilators if necessary, that needs to be a last resort. We cannot and should not be relying on the fact that our hospital systems can withstand a surge. Instead, we should be working together to ensure they don’t have to.” See COVID-19 Page A5
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
In-person instruction for Clatskanie Elementary School kindergarten through third grade students has been approved by the Columbia County Health Department. MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
School is back in session for Clatskanie Elementary Students in grades K-3, said Cathy Hurowitz, Clatskanie School District superintendent. Starting Monday, Nov. 16, the students will return to school. Fourth through sixth graders will return to in-person instruction on Monday, Nov. 30. Hurowitz updated the school board about the district’s progress in bringing students back in the facility at its Nov. 9 meeting. Hurowitz said she has been working closely with the Columbia County Public Health Department to bring students back to school and as of Friday, Nov. 7, she had been given the green light by the department to move forward. “Right now a lot of my time has been spent with preparations for the K-3 reopening,” Hurowitz said. Purchases have been made to prepare district buildings for the return of students, including air purifiers for every room, safety equipment
and freestanding thermometers to be placed at building entrances. “We’re not obligated by the state to take temperatures, but in talking with some other schools and districts that have students in the building, it really is a safety factor knowing that everybody that’s walking in the building has another layer of security and safety,” she said. The new metrics for transitioning back to in-person instruction released by the state have loosened the requirements for returning to the classroom. To return to on-site learning, a county must have a case rate of between 50 to 100 cases per 100,000 people reported over 14 days. Counties fall into color coded categories based on their case rates and the categories recommend the learning stage, ranging from red to green. “If we’re in the yellow zone, and we have been, we are encouraged to start planning and start the reopening process,” Hurowitz said. “Our new plan is based on consultation with the local health authority; they have the final yea or nay on whether or not we open and how we open. We work with our local health authority who’s
crunching the numbers.” The crunched numbers take a look at caseloads per community area, rather than the county at large, Hurowitz said. Based on COVID-19 case data divided up by ZIP Code, Clatskanie has only reported 37 cases since July. Only Clatskanie and Vernonia school districts have been given the go ahead by the department to open, she said. “We’re in this little place in Clatskanie, we don’t have a lot of movement in our community, why would we have to be under the same rules as Portland, St. Helens, Scappoose?” she said. “I’m trying to put it in perspective because we are in a little bit of a different situation than our friends down to the south of us.“ When K-3 students come back, she said it will be in a half-day, hybrid model. Clatskanie Middle/High School Principal Kim Oblack said that there has been discussion about what reopening the middle/high school back up to students would look like when it’s allowed. It would be at the semester point, if metrics allow for it. She said administrators and teachers have
been brainstorming the best way to limit student exposure to one another in the facility, which is tricky in the higher grades when students typically move from room to room with new teachers and classmates. “We have nine weeks to come up with a really solid plan— whether that is a hybrid instructional model or it is all the students in the school at one time in all these different pods,” Oblack said. “I’d like to come up with a game plan for both scenarios.” Funding The board also discussed how to use the money coming in from the Student Investment Account funding, just over $200,000. The funding is from a business tax in the Student Success Act, which taxes businesses with $1 million or more in sales. It was expected to bring in more money, but the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the economy affected the funding. “Our wind was definitely knocked out of our sails on this one, across the
See SCHOOL Page A5
Tornado touches down in Columbia County down, through the neighborhood. It’s thought the storm blew in from down toward McBride Elementary School where another tree was knocked over. NWS meteorologist David Elson told The Chief the weather conditions in the region at time included wind sear and unstable air, a mix he said could produce such small tornadoes. “It is not an everyday occurrence but maybe once or twice a year well see something like this on average.” he said. How tornadoes are rated
Monique Merrill / The Chief
The tornado sent trees down narrowly missing the home of Laurie and Gary Hallaian but damaging their deck off of Pittsburgh Road in St. Helens. See more photos and video at thechiefnews.com. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
A small tornado damaged nearby homes as it touched down in northwest St. Helens Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 10, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Shortly after the weather event, NWS Meteorologist Rebecca Muessle told The Chief that her agency had received video from a citizen that shows the tornado touching down and flying debris in the area. Based on that video and reports from first responders on the scene, it appears that it has the charac-
teristics that are looked for in a tornado, she said. “We are not expecting any more tornadoes, but there could be more rotating clouds similar to tornadoes,” Muessle said. “We ask that if you see these rotating clouds, especially if they start to head to the ground, that you head indoors due to the possible danger.” The NWS conducted a storm survey of the tornado following the event and rated it as an EF-0, with a path length of 1.7 miles. NWS meteorology technician Gerald Macke said the tornado had wind speeds of 60 to 65 miles per hour in the funnel cloud. “It was on the ground for an estimated six minutes and we are estimating 15 to 20 miles an hour
is how fast the tornado was moving across the earth,” Macke said. While there have been no reports of injury, the tornado did cause damage to local homes. Two trees fell on Laurie and Gary Hallaian’s property off of Pittsburgh Road. One fell in the front, and the other toward the back side of the house. Both narrowly missed the house itself, but one destroyed part of the back deck. “Both windows are plastered in debris,” Laurie Hallaian said. A patch of fence dividing the Hallaians’ property with their neighbors was blown down as well, marking the storm’s trail. Neighbors in the area said they heard debris hitting their homes and saw a flurry of leaves swirling
NOAA’s National Weather Service fully implemented the Enhanced Fujita (EF) in early 2007, to rate tornadoes, replacing the original Fujita Scale. The EF scale rates tornadoes on a scale from zero to five, but ranges in wind speed will be more accurate with the improved rating scale, according to a post at NOAA’s website. The Fujita scale was developed in 1971 by T. Theodore Fujita, Ph.D., to rate tornadoes and estimate associated wind speed based on the damage they cause. The EF scale refines and improves the original scale. It was developed by the Texas Tech University Wind Science and Engineering Research Center , along with a forum of wind engineers, universities, private companies, government organizations, private sector meteorologists, and NOAA meteorologists from across the country. The less severe tornadoes are rated EF-0 with wind speeds from 65 to 110 miles an hour. The most severe tornadoes, with winds from 166 to 200 miles an hour are rated EF-5. See video of the tornado and more photos and follow the latest weather developments, advisories and alerts at thechiefnews.com.
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Friday, November 13, 2020
Thumbs Up! HOPE Chest now open Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
The $500,000 project is designed to repair footings at the Clatskanie River Bridge along Highway 30.
$500,000 bridge repair pending JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The design phase is underway for a $500,000 project to repair footings on the Clatskanie River Bridge along Highway 30. Several of the bridge footings are exposed and need to be repaired. If the erosion around the footings isn’t repaired it could compromise the integrity of the bridge, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The work will involve removing any sediment near the bridge footings and replacing rocks at locations along the footings to provide additional foundation support. “The bridge is located on a designated truck route and addressing the issues now will allow the bridge to remain in service following high water events,” according to an ODOT statement. “During construction most of the work will be done under the bridge. When lane closures are needed, the work zone will be controlled by flagging.” ODOT said access for pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will be available through or around work zones. A pedestrian improvement project at the Clatskanie Bridge was conducted in 2017. The design phase of the latest project is expected to be finalized in 2021 with work at the bridge to begin late that year or in early 2022.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Local dignitaries gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, Nov. 9, at the new HOPE Chest Thrift Store in Rainier including Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole, with a thumbs up and HOPE Chest Director Kelly Miller cutting the ribbon. See more photos at thechiefnews.com.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Shelves have been set up to hold many of the smaller donated items at the thrift store. See more photos at thechiefnews.com. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A new store has opened up in downtown Rainier that will help fund the city’s local food bank. HOPE Chest Thrift Store operators and local dignitaries held a grand opening with a ribbon cutting Monday afternoon, Nov. 9, at the store, located at 107 E. First St. in Rainier. HOPE Chest Director Kelly Miller said the store
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was established for two reasons. First, Rainier did not have a thrift store, and second, the store is designed to help cover the costs of the local food pantry. “The food pantry is not able to do fundraisers due to the pandemic, so in order for us to provide for our community, we needed to create a new source of income for the pantry and that was my vision for the thrift store” she said. Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
A variety of clothes and other items are available at the thrift store. See more photos at thechiefnews.com.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
This chest had been placed in the front walkway of the thrift store. See more photos at thechiefnews.com.
said he was hopeful that the new thrift store would be a successful funding option for the local pantry and that the business gives locals a close option for donating items that they may not need or want. “But it is also important to see a new storefront in our downtown,” Cole said. “Anytime we have a storefront with a business in it, that has a compounding positive effect on every business as well.” Miller also oversees
Clatskanie’s Turning Point, another food pantry and thrift store and the two pantries have been busy meeting the needs of local families. “We are serving in total about 240 families,” she said. “That includes meat, fresh produce, daily products, shelf items, everything that you would normally need.” Miller said there are variety of reasons that the families need to seek the help of the local pantries. “It is not just low income families, “she said. “It is
everybody needing help currently, all the way from a homeless client to the executive who has had their hours cut or they have left their job because of the pandemic.” The Rainier HOPE Chest is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and is supported by a volunteer staff. To donate items, or to make contributions, call the HOPE Chest Thrift Store at 503-556-0701, or email to Hope97048@gmail.com.
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Friday, November 13, 2020
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County’s $1.8 million COVID cash MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Columbia County is steaming ahead to make sure its $1.8 million Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding will be spent properly before its endof-the-year deadline. Conditions on how the money can be spent, and the requirement to have funding fully documented in case of an audit, have required careful reporting, said Louise Kallstrom, director of finance for the county at a commissioner meeting Wednesday, Nov. 4. The CARE funding is dedicated to be used for pandemicrelated purposes, and there is specific criteria that the county must follow to be reimbursed by the federal government. “What we’re talking about is high risk of using the money for what we’re using it for and low risk of using the money for what we’re using it for,” Kallstrom said. “There’s a couple of things on this list that are very high risk of, if we were audited, not being approved of the spending and there are several that are a lot safer.” Some purchases, like the order for handheld foggers (disinfectant sprayers), are permitted under CARES Act rules, but the method of how they were purchased might cause them to be denied. They were not purchased under purchased order, the federal guideline for the funding, so it puts the purchase at risk of being denied by the act, Kallstrom said. To be careful and make sure the projects will not be denied and the county can make the most of the funding it was allocated, Kallstrom has suggested moving around certain projects to be covered by marijuana tax fee money instead of CARES Act funding and replacing it with something guaranteed to be covered under the act. Kallstrom suggested moving the county’s grant-matching contributions to a different account as well, due to a lack of information about exactly ttend one of our where the money is being
Photo courtesy of Metro Creative Connections
The CARES Act is a $2 trillion economic relief package designed to provide fast and direct economic assistance for American workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs for our American industries, according to a statement on the U.S. Department of Treasury website.
($26,325) • Portable VHF Radios for fairgrounds ($3,990) • Plastic panels for fairgrounds ($300) • Hand sanitizing stations for fairgrounds ($9,000) • Online marriage certificate server ($21,000) • HVAC upgrades to courthouse ($130,000) • Replace sink/toilet fixtures with non-touchables ($33,000) • Inmate tracking system ($52,000) • Cones and paint to mark distancing guides at the fairgrounds ($3,000) • Small business grant matching ($100,000)* • Personal protective equipment/cleaning/cell phones ($150,700) • Storage units ($20,000) • Public safety costs for July, August and September ($425,605) • Columbia Pacific Food Bank grant ($125,452) • Claim 1 and 2, claimed before July ($323,050) *These projects may be shifted to be funded from other accounts, and the money will reimburse public safety staffing costs instead. Of the allocated funds, $976,300.77 has been spent so far and two of the projects have been marked as completed.
granted— information KallHow it’s been spent strom would need to provide in case of an audit. The county has had The grants are administered $1,867,892 to spend, and through Columbia Pacific until Dec. 31 to spend it. Economic District and the Projects have been updated Columbia County Economic and shifted as the deadline CARES Act Team (CCET). Paul Vogel, ex- approaches. Below is the ecutive director of CCET, said Nov. 4 breakdown of how The CARES Act was he was under the impression the CARES Act funding has passed by Congress with Kallstrom had the information been allocated; not all projshe needed. ects have been completed overwhelming, bipartisan Kallstrom suggested the and some projects may shift. support and signed into law grant funding project be cov• Telecommuning equipby the president on March ered through the marijuana tax ment ($50,000) 27, 2020. It is a $2 trillion money fund and the $100,000 • Webcam capabilities economic relief package allocated for it under the ($7,000) designed to provide fast and CARES Act be reimbursed for • Videoconferencing imdirect economic assistance public safety costs, which she provements ($40,000) for American workers, famisaid is low risk to claim. • Phone system replacelies, and small businesses, “We still have the project, ment ($270,000) and preserve jobs for our I’m not saying we don’t have • Fogger backpacks/disin- American industries, accordthe project, but its just not fectant for the jail ($5,000) ing to a statement on the funded by CARES dollars • Hand-held foggers and U.S. Department of Treasury and I just don’t have to prove disinfectants ($8,987)* website. so much to anybody for the • Counsel/finance/huspending of that money,” Kall- man resources payroll costs The Columbia County strom said. ($49,925) Board of Commissioners will Commissioner Henry • Election drop boxes hold a special meeting at 10 Heimuller said he would meet ($11,400) a.m. on Friday, November 13 with educational Kallstrom and Vogel seminars to • Bluebeam Softwareto discuss CARES Act Fundor give us a call: sort out the documents. electronic plan review ing projects.
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$128 million for pandemic relief STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Oregon Legislative Emergency Board has approved more than $128 million to help Oregonians impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The approval includes funding for childcare providers, Oregonians in need of shelter, small businesses, long-term care providers and victims of domestic and sexual violence. “This funding comes at a critical time as COVID-19 cases continue to spike in Oregon,” Oregon House Speaker Tina Kotek said. “As winter approaches, it’s particularly important we passed additional funding to help people without permanent housing. We’ve been facing a statewide shelter emergency for some time and the pandemic has made the situation even more dire. We have a lot of work ahead of us to solve this emergency but it’s an important step.” During its Monday, Nov. 9, meeting in Salem, the state emergency board approved $35 million from the Oregon’s Emergency Fund to support the Project Turnkey Statewide Pandemic and Homelessness Response. The Oregon Community Foundation will use funding to support the acquisition, retrofitting and potential operation of hotel and motel properties to be used as emergency shelter. The funding is in addition to $30 million the Emergency Board approved on Oct. 23 to begin Project Turnkey in wildfire-affected areas. The E Board also approved the following allocations from the state’s share of federal funds available through the Coronavirus Relief Fund: • $45 million for Childcare Provider Assistance to support
the increased costs facing childcare providers facing economic and operational challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. • $20 million for a third grant to the Oregon Community Foundation for the Oregon Worker Relief Fund, which will make additional payments to workers who are ineligible for wage replacement payments from traditional unemployment insurance programs. • $20 million to provide additional financial assistance to small businesses economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The board previously allocated $25.6 million for COVID-19 Emergency Business Assistance in July. • $5 million to help cover long term care provider costs for routine COVID-19 staff testing. • $2.4 million for one-time COVID-19 baseline testing of long term care facility staff and residents. • $1 million to support victims of domestic and sexual violence. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for increased domestic and sexual violence. The board previously dedicated $2 million to support victims in April. In July, the Oregon Legislative Emergency Board approved more than $200 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars to provide further economic support for Oregonians and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. To learn how the pandemic funding might help local businesses, contact the Columbia County Economic Team at 503-410-1061. Read more about the state and federal pandemic relief funding in a series of articles at thechiefnews.com.
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e not connected with or endorsed by the united states government or the federal medicare program
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State sends out $3.2 million in unclaimed funds
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Oregon holds more than $700 million in unclaimed funds for 3 million owners and receives more unclaimed funds every year from reporting businesses.
The Oregon Department of State Lands announced that has mailed approximately $3.2 million in unclaimed funds to nearly 11,000 Oregonians, marking a distribution of unclaimed property that is a first of its kind for Oregon. Individuals who received a letter in October informing them of forthcoming unclaimed funds will soon receive a check in the mail from Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program, administered by the Oregon Department of State Lands. The checks, which range between $50 - $2,500, are being mailed to current and former Oregonians. Each check represents a unique sum of unclaimed funds — referred to as unclaimed property — owed to each person by a business or organization that was unable to return the money to its owner. Common examples of unclaimed property include uncashed checks, forgotten bank accounts, security deposits, tax refunds, credit balances, investment accounts, payroll checks, refunds and more. When businesses lose contact with their patrons for a certain time, they are required under state law to turn over funds held for those individuals to Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program. The funds are held in a central repository until they are reunited with their owner or heir — typically when a claim is filed. This is the first time the Oregon Unclaimed Property Program is distributing funds directly to owners who have not first filed an unclaimed property claim. The state determined that, due to the financial circumstances many are facing, property that met certain criteria would be mailed to the associated owners. The criteria included a
deliverable address. For cases in which the October letter was undeliverable because an individual no longer lived at that address, that person was removed from the final mailing list. However, they can still claim their property at unclaimed.oregon.gov. Recent improvements to the Unclaimed Property Program’s software have made the distribution possible. This initiative follows the lead of five other states that have successfully tested directly sending unclaimed money to owners. Individuals who received a letter in October should contact the Department of State Lands if they do not receive their check by the end of November. Checks may be delayed for those who received a letter and opted to file a claim at unclaimed. oregon.gov, rather than wait for the funds to be automatically mailed. Oregon holds more than $700 million in unclaimed funds for 3 million owners and receives more unclaimed funds every year from reporting businesses. The state encourages all current and former Oregonians to check for unclaimed property at unclaimed. oregon.gov. Questions about unclaimed funds can be directed to the Oregon Unclaimed Property Program via email, claims@dsl.state. or.us or phone, 503-986– 5251 or 503-986-5200. Information can also be found at unclaimed.oregon.gov. The Oregon Unclaimed Property Program is administered by the Oregon Department of State Lands. The program, which has been in existence since 1957, works with business to ensure they are compliant with Oregon unclaimed property laws, while returning unclaimed funds to current and former Oregonians.
Cigarette, vaping taxes increasing STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
With the approval of Measure 108 by Oregon voters this week, the Oregon Department of Revenue is moving ahead with the implementation of increases in cigarette and tobacco taxes along with a new tax on inhalant delivery products. As a result of the passage of the measure, the public will see the following changes beginning Jan. 1: • The cigarette tax will increase by $2 per pack of 20 and $2.50 per pack of 25. • Little cigars, collectively weighing less than 3 pounds per 1,000, will be taxed as cigarettes, will require an Oregon cigarette tax stamp, and must be sold in sealed packages of at least 20. Inhalant delivery systems, such as vaping and e-cigarette products, will be taxed at a rate of 65% of the wholesale purchase price. • The cap on the tax on cigars increases from $0.50 to $1. Revenue produced by the tax changes will be used by the Oregon Health Authority to fund healthcare coverage for low-income families, including mental health services, and public health programs, including programs addressing tobacco and nicotine related diseases. The Oregon Revenue Department will hold a public hearing Nov. 24 on a series of administrative rules implementing the changes. Information about the
hearing is available on the agency’s website. Tobacco distributors and retailers, inhalant delivery product and e-cigarette dealers, and the public can also find answers to a list of frequently asked questions on the website. To stay updated on Oregon cigarette and tobacco tax law changes, interested parties can subscribe to email updates. Those with questions can call 503-945-8120 or email spa.help@oregon. gov. To get tax forms, check the status of refunds, or make tax payments, visit www. oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. People can also call 800356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speechimpaired), they accept all relay calls.
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Clatskanie Grows: Owls, voles CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column
Voles continue to be a problem
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COVID-19 From Page A1
Dr. Dana Hargunani, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), said that over the past three weeks, Oregon has gained more than 10,000 new COVID-19 cases and the death toll has risen to 737. “The trend is clear and very concerning, and sadly the pace of deaths continues to march along with dozens of Oregonians lost each week,” Hargunani said. Additionally, Oregon has had a 57% increase in hospitalizations since Nov. 3 and an 83% increase in the past four weeks. As of right now, the state has 146 available adult intensive care unit (ICU) beds, 701 available beds that are not ICU, 130 beds for ICU pediatric patients and 116 for non-ICU pediatric patients. The state has increased its ventilator capacity since the spring, with 762 available. Over the course of the pandemic, Hargunani said they’ve learned a lot and have relied on communication and coordination between health care systems throughout the state. “Since the H1N1 pandemic, we’ve been working closely with hospitals around the state to prepare for emergencies just like COVID-19,” Hargunani said. “While COVID-19 has been larger and longer lasting than we could have ever anticipated, we found that our foundational learning has helped us in the early days when we first saw these cases.” Hargunani said Oregon is now better prepared to handle a surge in patients, and through partnerships, they
SCHOOL From Page A1 state,” Hurowitz said. Clatskanie expected to receive around $600,000 but will get about one-third of that amount— money they can still certainly use, Hurowitz said. The district wanted to hire an elementary school special education teacher to help
have been able to facilitate help where it is needed. Evidence of that was seen during the September wildfires as hospitals were able to move evacuated patients to other hospitals fairly routinely. But although the health care system is better prepared than it was at the start of the pandemic, Hargunani said it has its limits. “We need to rely on Oregonians to help us manage the virus by taking steps to limit spread,” Hargunani said. “Oregonians are worn out. Tired of a year with limited social connections and so many difficulties of all types. Our health care workers have felt this too, even as they continue to face this virus on a daily basis.” Doctors from around the state provided a brief update on how they are handling the sudden surge in cases, including Dr. Jeff Absalon, CMO, of St. Charles Hospital in Central Oregon. Dr. Absalon said they are ‘very concerned,’ as case courts and hospitalizations are doubling, reaching the highest level of patients since the pandemic. Absalon said they have developed surge plans to send patients to outlying hospitals and currently have a good number of supplies. However, staffing has been an issue, as they have looked at delaying elective surgeries or potentially shutting them down if necessary, to fulfill staffing requirements. “If you do your part to slow the spread of this virus, you are directly helping our frontline healthcare workers,” Absalon said. “Many of these workers are balancing full time work with parenting and teaching responsibilities in this current environment. We need them rested, we need them
available to help you and all of those in need when care is necessary.” Dr. Jeff Grebosky, CMO at Asante Hospital in Southern Oregon said they’ve seen a 162% rise in cases/hospitalizations the past few weeks and don’t expect that to change in the near future. He urged everyone to follow safety guidelines such as washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering, keeping physical distance from others and staying home when you feel sick. Jennifer Burrows, nurse and Chief Nursing Officer at Providence Medical Centers said they saw a jump from 34 to 58 COVID-19 inpatients the past few weeks. Providence was the first hospital system to care for a COVID-19 patient, and since then Burrows said they have been able to conduct trial runs, provide faster care for patients and analyze data to better serve the public. “I know we are tired… we’re all tired,” Burrows said. “I’m the mother of children in the Portland Public School system being taught virtually, I’m the wife of a husband who has worked remotely since March, I’m one of those people in the grocery store working harder to accomplish my weekly to-do list than I did a year ago. But I’m also a nurse and a voice for the professional clinical team that wants to be ready and able to effectively care for you if you need our services. “We need your help with this, we need you to make wise choices.”
support younger learners and reduce the caseload of the one existing special education teacher at the elementary school. The estimated cost for the hire is $100,000 per year, but with reduced funds and awkward timing, Hurowitz suggested the district save a permanent hire until next year. “At this point hiring a teacher is probably almost impossible. To find someone qualified in special ed is difficult; midyear is even more difficult,” Hurowitz said. She
suggested the funds be used to support the existing programs with temporary staff until spring when they can look at hiring permanent staff. Funding from the Student Success Act has certain allowable uses, which hinge upon expanding instructional time, addressing student health and safety, reducing class size and caseloads and providing a well-rounded education. The board approved Hurowitz to accept the grant agreement to access the funds.
Follow daily pandemic updates at thechiefnews.com with in-depth reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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Meadow mice, more properly known as voles, are short tailed and plump. They can’t climb much so spend their lives in shallow tunnels or foraging on the surface. Their populations rise and fall for reasons that are still obscure. Right now, numbers seem higher than average. Voles cause a lot of damage in winter. When food gets scarce and especially when there is snow on the ground, they turn to young trees and shrubs for dinner. After snow melts, there are often 2-3 inch vole holes in patches, evidence of a lot of activity in the area. Their gnawing can girdle trees at the soil line or remove roots. Next spring, your trees leaf out but without roots and the “plumbing” in the stem, can’t move water and they die. Voles also love carrots, beets, and potatoes left too long in the ground. To reduce damage, you have to make voles uncomfortable. Cut grass short near trees so voles are more visible to the owls, cats, and hawks they fear. Trap moles since their tunnels provide safe access for voles to roots. Collapse the tunnels if possible. Finally, be careful in the use of mulches including landscape fabric and black plastic - they provide vole cover. I have had several recent calls involving voles and mulch. One was a blueberry patch with grass clippings piled around the plants to conserve moisture. But covering soil in a 6-8 inch radius of the stems encouraged voles to gnaw without fear. A similar thing happened with a very heavy bark mulch application around young fruit trees. Most of the trees were a total loss. Finally, I once visited with a gardener that planted a new rose bed. He worked the soil, put in a drip irrigation system, and covered the bed with landscape fabric. Then he planted his new roses through holes in the fabric. In the second year of growth, the gardener started to “high prune” his roses in November. As he pruned, he felt them to be poorly anchored. He tugged on one and it pulled right out. It had virtually no roots. It was much the same with the rest of the roses. The voles had been in food heaven, eating rose roots that they dearly love, protected by the fabric from any predators. The fabric was removed and all but a few of the 25 or so roses had to be replaced. Trapping voles can work if pursued persistently. Standard mouse traps will work. Dig a shallow “swale” about six inches deep, about two feet wide and four feet long. Put some apples pieces in there and then cover it with a piece of plywood or some other cover that you can keep in place, leaving openings at both ends. If you see vole
•
feeding on the apple pieces, place the traps in the swale, bait them with peanut butter, and cover the swale back up. Voles, unlike rats, aren’t very savvy and you can trap vole upon vole with the same traps in the same place. There are a lot of issues with vole baits injuring nontarget animals and there are few if any baits registered for home use much beyond the immediate area adjacent to structures. If you feel you can use them in your situation, please
rather straight forward af-
fairs and others have a lot of extra zig-zaggy silk added to the structure. It is the business of biologists to speculate on these subjects. Are the extra strands of silk there for reinforcement? The best evidence indicates that the “stabilimenta” is not rein-forcing material. So why do certain spiders expend the time and resources to produce it? Clatskanie Because they Grows catch more bugs. A scientist monitored the prey interception rates by noting the damaged areas in the web. He found that those decorated with the silk read and strands had 72% more “hits” follow all instructions. The from flying insects than bait will need to be placed those without the extra silk. where nothing else but voles His theory is that the extra can get to it. strands reflect more ultraviolet light, making those webs more attractive to the flying insects that orient themselves to UV. These insects include many pollinating in-sects that use UV patterns from plants to guide them. Have questions?
Encouraging barn owls
Barn owls were once considerably more common around Columbia County. The transition from the oldfashioned hip-roofed bard to the modern pole barn has removed some nesting sites. In addition, the conversion of farms to residential living has removed lots of farm structure period. Yet, these birds are tremendously valuable. They will eat 5-10 rodents per day. Besides, how can you resist the chance to see their ghostly flight through a moonlit night? Or the opportunity to collect and take apart owl pellets to see the skulls of their prey within. This link describes design and placement for barn owl boxes. They have researched the size that works best for them and other issues with having them adopted by the owls. The best time to install them is late fall through February. What a great weekend project. If the link below is too complicated for you to use, email me (chip.bubl@oregonstate. edu) and I will send you a PDF of the article. slconservancy.org/wp-content/ uploads/2019/10/2019.10BARN-OWL-NEST-BOX. pdf. Spider symmetry If you’ve ever looked at spider webs, you probably have noticed that some are
If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Contact information Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County • 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 • Phone: 503-397-3462 • Email: chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu
•O bituaries • • Loyed Rea
March 11, 1936 ~ Nov. 6, 2020 Loyed Rea, 84, of Longview, Washington passed away on Nov. 6, 2020 in Longview.
Mable Wolfe
Aug. 5, 1931 ~ Nov. 9, 2020 Mable Wolfe, 89, of Rainier, Oregon passed away on Nov. 9, 2020 in Beaverton, Oregon.
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Misc Services
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Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree to tall- Call Paul! Specialized in danger trees, take downs, storm clean-up. Time to prune- pruning Lace Leafed Maples & ornamental shrubberies, chipping, senior or veterans discount, free estimates. CCB# 217173 Lic., Bonded & Insured. 503-440-0723 or 503-543-8274
offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District. Maintain pool and employee records. Perform such other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager and/or Board of Directors from time to time. Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquatic programming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work with pool related chemicals and be familiar with state and Federal regulations regard-
ing outdoor pool operations. Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; First-Aid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can pick up an application at: 365 S Nehalem St., Clatskanie OR (offices of Dennis R. Conner, CPA). Or you can request an application by phone at 503-728-2038 or by email at cyndi@ dconnercpa.com. If you have any questions, please contact Cyndi Warren, 503-728-2038. Applications with resumes will be accepted until Monday, November 30, 2020 at 3:00 pm.
Community Health Nurse Supervisor Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline: Open Until Filled Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov
502
Help Wanted
Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is looking for a POOL MANAGER Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs
Director, Human Resources Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 11/20/2020 Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov
860
Storage
CLATSKANIE Mini Storage
Hoarder’s Paradise! 20 sizes, Inexpensive RV Storage, Carports, Hand trucks, Locks, Fully-lined, Insulated, Condensation free, all units lit. On-site Manager
503 728-2051 503 369-6503 Visa/MC/Amex
CCB # 29995 CCLB# 456696
Established Construction company seeking Lowboy Truck Driver. Responsibilities: • Perform pre-trip and post-trip vehicle safety inspection & check fluid levels daily • Report maintenance issues to shop mechanic • Receive delivery instructions from Dispatch Manager, pick up and deliver cargo accordingly • Keep a clean cab • Maintain Driver’s Daily Reports (mileage, fuel, etc.) • Other duties as instructed by Dispatch Manager Qualifications Required for the Job: • Ability to understand oral and written instructions relating to products • Excellent defensive driving skills • 3 years experience as a commercial driver license holder • 3 years experience as a lowboy truck driver preferred • High school diploma or GED certificate preferred Work Environment/ Physical Demands: • Effectively lift various objects weighing up to 80 pounds • Walk, bend, kneel, lift, stretch and sit • Work extended hours in a variety of weather conditions • Able to travel to eastern Oregon sites and work Saturdays on occasion, as needed Compensation • Compensation will be based on experience Please send resumes or inquiries to info@twcontractors.com We are an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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Public Notices
CC20-1331
CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 5:30 pm in the community room of the District’s administration building located at 495 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie. A Board Workshop will not be held this month. An executive session may be called at the workshop and/or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (f) information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection.
16156 Hwy 101 South • P.O. Box 1956 • Brookings, Oregon 97415 Phone (541) 469-5341 • Fax (541) 469-5543
AGENDA CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT REGULAR BOARD MEETING on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS II. CONSENT AGENDA · Minutes of Regular Board Meeting October 21, 2020 · Minutes of the Special Strategic Planning Session Meeting October 26, 2020 · Review payment of bills for October 2020 III. STAFF REPORTS UPDATE · Surplus Sale Items - Resolution 20-05 · Staff Reports Update IV. POLICY REVIEW ·
Policy 318 District Building Preventative Maintenance Policy · New Employee Handbook Policy - EH 719 Social Media Policy V. ACTION ITEMS · Policy Review Approval: 108 Net Metering Policy and 317 Oregon Ethics Law Policy · Resolution 20-03 Network Transmission Service Agreement with BPA · Resolution 20-04 Clatskanie PUD 2021 Budget VI. DISCUSSION / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS · Board Comments & Calendar VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION VIII. ADJOURNMENT
CC20-1324
Clatskanie Park & Recreation District NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Park & Recreation District will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 6:00 at 555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, OR, Port of
Columbia County Offices (the Old Middle School). Items on the agenda include, but are not limited to: General park maintenance and pool renovation update(s). Board
Chair, Andrew Mustola. ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED.
CC20-1330
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 @ 7:00 p.m. in the Clatskanie Cultural Center Ballroom, 75 South Nehalem St. (Clatskanie Cultural
Center, 2nd floor) with social distancing practices being observed. Agenda items include, but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the Sept. 23rd, 2020 regular meeting; lot line adjustments
on lots at 777 SW Tichenor St. and 825 SW Tichenor St.; a public hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for 315 Columbia River Hwy. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Nov. 13th, 2020.
Oregon’s COVID-19 workplace rule Photo courtesy of Oregon OSHA
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) has adopted a temporary rule that combats the spread of coronavirus in all workplaces by requiring employers to carry out a comprehensive set of risk-reducing measures. The rule will take effect Nov. 16, with certain parts phased in, and is expected to remain in effect until May 4, 2021. It is a continuation of the guidance produced by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and enforced in the workplace by Oregon OSHA, including physical distancing, use of face coverings, and sanitation. The rule is intended to further improve the current structure for reducing risks in the workplace by requiring several measures many employers have voluntarily implemented. For example, it requires employers to notify employees of a workplace infection and provide training to workers on how to reduce risks. Likewise, employers must formally assess the risk of exposure, develop infection control plans, and address indoor air quality within their current capability. “We believe compliance with this rule will help
reduce the serious threat to workers posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood said. “It does so by establishing a clear, practical, and consistent set of measures for employers.” Those measures – along with more requirements for exceptionally high-risk jobs, such as direct patient care – are part of Oregon OSHA’s ongoing enforcement and educational efforts to help protect workers from the coronavirus disease. Beginning in late June, the process to develop the temporary rule included more than a dozen virtual forums dealing with specific issues and industries before the first of four stakeholder review drafts was even developed. And each subsequent draft incorporated changes resulting from Oregon OSHA’s discussion with a large number of employer and worker representatives, as well as feedback from the public at large. Adoption of the temporary rule brings the requirements within the existing rulemaking authority of the Oregon Safe Employment Act. The law governs workplace safety and health in Oregon, including protections for a worker’s right to raise on-the-job health and safety concerns free from retaliation. In the weeks ahead, Oregon OSHA will provide educational resources to help employers and workers understand and apply the
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requirements. Already, the division offers consultation services that provide no-cost assistance with safety and health programs and technical staff, who help employers understand requirements. The COVID-19 Hazards Poster – provided by the division and required by the temporary rule to be posted – is now available in both English and Spanish. And the division is providing a userfriendly overview table of the temporary rule, summarizing the requirements and how they apply, and showing the effective dates of the phasedin provisions. Oregon OSHA encourages a careful reading of the temporary rule, which includes an appendix that contains provisions for specific industries and workplace activities. The temporary rule requirements include: Physical distancing Employers must ensure six-foot distancing between all people in the workplace through design of work activities and workflow, unless it can be shown it is not feasible for some activities. Masks, face covering, or face shields Employers must ensure that all individuals – including employees, part-time workers and customers – at the workplace, or other establishment under the employer’s control, wear a
mask, face covering, or face shield in line with the OHA’s statewide guidance. Employers must provide masks, face coverings, or face shields for employees free of cost. If an employee chooses to wear a mask, face shield, or face covering – even when it is not required – the employer must allow them to do so. When employees are transported in a vehicle for work-related purposes, regardless of the travel distance or duration, all people inside the vehicle must wear a mask, face covering, or face shield. This requirement does not apply when all people in the vehicle are members of the same household. Ventilation Employers must maximize the effectiveness of existing ventilation systems, maintain and replace air filters, and clean intake ports providing fresh or outdoor air. The temporary rule does not require employers to purchase or install new ventilation systems. Exposure risk assessment Employers must conduct a risk assessment – a process that must involve participation and feedback from employees – to gauge potential employee exposure to COVID-19, including addressing specific questions about how to minimize such exposure.
Infection control plan Employers must develop an infection control plan addressing several elements, including when workers must use personal protective equipment and a description of specific hazard controls. Information and training Employers must provide information and training to workers about the relevant topics related to COVID-19. They must do so in a manner and language understood by workers. Notification, testing, medical removal • Employers must notify affected workers within 24 hours of a work-related COVID-19 infection. • Employers must cooperate with public health officials if testing within the workplace is necessary. • If an employee must quarantine or isolate, the employer must follow proper work reassignment and return-to-work steps. The rule requires more measures for exceptionally high-risk jobs. Such jobs include direct patient care or decontamination work; aerosol-generating or postmortem procedures; and first-responder activities. The additional measures include: • Detailed infection control training and planning • Sanitation procedures
for routine cleaning and disinfection • Robust use of personal protective equipment • Operation of existing ventilation systems according to national standards • Use of barriers, partitions, and airborne infection isolation rooms • Screening and triaging for symptoms of COVID-19 An executive order issued Oct. 23 by Gov. Kate Brown extended COVID-19 protections for agricultural workers in employer-provided housing through the off season. Following adoption of its temporary COVID-19 rule for all workplaces, Oregon OSHA continues to pursue permanent rulemaking that would provide a structure for responding to potential future disease outbreaks. More information is available on the division’s infectious disease rulemaking page and on its COVID-19 resources page. Oregon OSHA, a division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov. The Department of Consumer and Business Services is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www. oregon.gov/dcbs/.
Friday, November 13, 2020
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Honoring our heroes
Veterans Resources Columbia County Veterans Services 503-366-6580
American Legion Clatskanie 862-824-5225 Vernonia 503-429-0495 Warren 503-369-1313
Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs 503-373-2085
Columbia County Mental Health 503-397-2682
St. Helens Elks Veterans Bunker 503-410-5225
National Alliance on Mental Health 1-800-950-6264
Honoring those who have served on this Veteran’s Day
Thank you for your valor and service
TM
United Way of Columbia County
Thank you
to those who serve
1620 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051 | (503) 397-0123
www.unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com 503-556-3614
Thank You, Veterans! 503.396.6196
kevin.artisanconcrete@q.com • CCB#183456
We honor those who gave their lives.
Columbia Funeral Home & Cremation Center Columbia Memorial Gardens 681 Columbia Blvd. St Helens, OR • 503.397.1154 • www.columbiafh.com
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Veterans Advisory The Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) is reminding Oregon veterans who are enrolled in the VA Health Care System that they may still be accruing copays and other regular expenses even though they are not receiving bills. The following is a release from the ODVA. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs suspended billing to veterans as of April 1, in accordance with the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. However, veterans should be aware that any copays or other expenses they normally pay are continuing to accrue. No interest or late fees are being charged. When billing resumes, which is anticipated in January 2021, the full amount will come due unless the veteran has opted
to pay in advance. By calling the VA tollfree at 1-888-827-4817, veterans may receive information about any current balance due and pay their VA medical bills. When billing resumes, veterans will have the option of requesting financial hardship assistance to establish a repayment plan if needed. The VA will not withhold treatment or medication from any veteran because of inability to pay their bills, but it can impose late fees or take other action that may affect your other veterans benefits or your credit score once billing resumes. For personalized services in your area, find the closest Veteran Services Office on ODVA’s online directory at www.oregon. gov/odva/services/pages/ county-services.aspx.
Friday, November 13, 2020
Local students place flags to honor veterans
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Students from the Piercing Arrow Private School carefully place small American flags along the grass at the Veterans Memorial Wall in Clatskanie on Monday morning in preparation for Veterans Day.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Nearly 2,000 small American flags have been placed in the lawn surrounding the Clatskanie Veterans Memorial Wall. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Land of the free, courtesy of the brave. Thank you Veterans 135 N Nehalem Clatskanie • 503-728-4122 versieats.com/menu-colvins-clatskanie
VETERANS GET 10% DISCOUNT
While the COVID-19 pandemic has limited Veterans Days events in Columbia County, students from Piercing Arrow Private School in Clatskanie aren’t missing the opportunity to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces and those who are currently serving. Several of the students
joined school administrator Lori Sherman to carefully place small American flags in the grass surrounding the city’s Veterans Memorial Wall at Copes Park early Monday morning, Nov. 9 in preparation for Veterans Day. Small sheets with the names of local veterans were attached to many of the flags being placed at the Veterans Memorial Wall. The chilly morning weather didn’t slow student Lillian Kratzer, 11,
Teagan Schillos, 8, from Piercing Arrow School, places a flag in the lawn at the Veterans Memorial Wall as part of the Veterans Day preparation in Clatskanie.
from placing dozens of the flags along the lawn. “We are putting flags out today to honor the veterans who have died and those who are still serving,” Sherman said. “This is an important way to honor our veterans, living and deceased. And by having the students participate it gives them an opportunity to do community service and to know the value of what these men and women have done for our county in laying down their
lives for our freedom.” Hunter Guinther, 6, worked alongside his father, Brian, placing the flags. Brian Guinther served nearly 22 years in the United States Navy. “Our freedoms are because of people like me that have served,” Brian said. “Our democracy is the best in the world based of average citizens giving up their years to defend our nation. We are a better county for it.”
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Friday, November 13, 2020
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Local veteran service officer shares insight JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
This week, on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the nation honored the men and women who have served and who are currently serving America in the armed services. The Chief has reached out to Columbia County’s Veteran Services Officer Russ Clark for his insight into the challenges facing veterans today. The Chief: From your vantage point, what are local veterans finding to be the most significant challenges they face today and are seeking your help for? Russ Clark: Difficulty getting to and from Veterans Affairs (VA) appointment or other health appointments. The nearest VA clinics are in Hillsboro, SE Portland or Vancouver. Many of our veterans are older and less confident driving in densely urbanized areas. Additionally, many veterans have no relatives or friends living near to them who might provide transportation assistance. While we do have CC Rider, it offers very limited transportation opportunities for veterans. I receive calls monthly from veterans or their spouses seeking transportation to appointments; unfortunately, I have to tell them the only options they have are either CC Rider or DAV van (coming out of Astoria). DAV van requires a minimum of four days advanced notice and does not accommodate wheelchairbound patients. CC Rider provides transportation once a week, but requires all ap-
The Chief: What do you find is the most positive outcome from your work with the local veterans?
pointments to be arranged between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (almost impossible for the VA to arrange). Simply said, veteran transportation in our county is nearly nonexistent.
When you are able to help a veteran who has been struggling for years to deal with his or her military trauma, then you see the positive transformation in his or her life occur. It is very uplifting. ~ Russ Clark, Veterans Services Officer The Chief: We understand that post-traumatic stress disorder has been an ongoing challenge for veterans. Briefly explain what the disorder is and how it impacts veterans. Clark: PSTD is classified as an anxiety disorder that can that can manifest in variety of symptoms to include anger, deep depression, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, hyper vigilance, sleep problems social impairment and many more symptoms. Every individual’s impact is unique; no persons brain works alike. Some veterans have very mild symptoms that may rarely manifest, others veterans have very severe symptoms that far too often manifest in severe depression, isolation, loss of interest in social interactions and suicide attempts. The thing to remember is PTSD is a response to traumatic events and each person’s trauma is unique.
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The Chief: Are there adequate services available for local veterans, or are there more easier-accessible services needed? If so, what services are needed? Clark: No. We need transportation assets, availability to low income housing for our homeless veterans, adequate availability of local medical care, availability to dental care and more mental health providers. The Chief: Do you find that veterans are often forgotten and that state and federal service and funding priorities for service men and women are challenged by budget reductions? Clark: No and yes. I don’t think we are forgotten, especially during an election year. We are a soft spot for the vast majority of our na-
tion; however, often after the election is over, veteran issues seem to fade away from our elected officials’ minds. State and federal funding issues have been more favorable in recent years. The challenge for VA honestly is obtaining and retaining qualified medical professionals. VA simply cannot compete with the outside market, resulting in significant staff turnover at our hospitals and clinics. The Mission Act has helped veterans move more of their care to the community; however, in more rural areas there is a huge lack of medical providers. Look at Columbia County – no hospital, local clinics may not accept VA clients and we have very limited mental health capabilities. We are not even classified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a rural county.
were promised from their government – the wounds they received, whether physical or mental, would be cared for by their nation. Our veterans deserve all that is due to them and more. My job is to help them achieve what they have earned.
Clark: Any time I can assist a veteran, surviving spouse or child of a veteran and help lift them out of a state despair and into a better state of mind, body and spirit; those are the times that provide me great satisfaction. When you are able to help a veteran who has been struggling for years to deal with his or her military trauma then you see the positive transformation in his or her life occur. It is very uplifting. I see my veterans not as strangers needing assistance; I see them as brothers and sisters who, like me, have sacrificed their youth and their bodies in support of this nation. They have never asked for or demanded anything other than what they
The Chief: How many veterans are you serving currently? Clark: I represent about 2,500 of the approximately 5,700 in our county. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Clark has been meeting with veterans by appointment only. Clark can be reached by email at rclark@ cat-team.org and by phone at 503-366- 6580. The Columbia County Veterans Services Office is located at 125 N 17th St., St. Helens.
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Friday, November 13, 2020
Veterans Day: A time to pause as a nation KELLY FITZPATRICK Chief Guest Column
Kelly Fitzpatrick
This Veterans Day across the nation, for the first time since the holiday was conceived in November 1919, there will be no large ceremonies in big cities and small towns in observance to properly express our gratitude and appreciate of our country’s brave men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Instead, 2020 will long be remembered as a year of tremendous change and challenge for our nation. Yet, this year also notably marks 75 years since the end of another historic global event that united our country: the end of World War II and the subsequent creation of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs in 1945. One of the most poignant aspects of our Oregon veteran community is that it is as diverse and united as the nation
We Remember those that served
we serve. Whether you are one of the 300,000 Oregon veterans who served in the trenches of Europe, the mountains of Korea, the jungles of Asia, the deserts of the Middle East or anywhere in between; on (or beneath) the world’s oceans, or in the skies above; here at home or overseas, in wartime or in peace; you are part of an unbroken chain of patriots who have served this country with honor through the history of our nation. Every day, even after their military service, our veterans ensure America remains strong. Every day, they employ their hard-earned leadership skills and continue to serve their communities. Our veterans are moms and dads, teachers and doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs, social workers and community leaders. They are the heroes of a peaceful nation who answered the call and returned to live in the land they defended. Heroes like World War II paratrooper Bill Wingett — though he never embraced that
distinction. Private First Class Wingett was one of the original members of Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division’s 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, a unit made famous by the book and HBO miniseries “Band of Brothers.” On June 6, 1944, he was one of 17,000 paratroopers to perform a night jump behind enemy lines five hours before the historic beachhead assault began. Along with other paratroopers from the 101st, he fought his way through to Normandy. He also served with honor in the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Bastogne and other pivotal conflicts until the war ended. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery during the Battle of Brecourt Manor and earned three Purple Hearts in separate engagements. Sadly, Bill passed away just a few weeks ago at his home in Lebanon. He was 98. The veterans of the Greatest Generation, serving nearly eight decades ago, are vanishing at a startling rate, as are the
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veterans of the Korean War generation. Just five years ago, there were more than 17,000 WWII veterans living in the state of Oregon. Today, there are fewer than 6,000. Their contribution and example must never fade from our awareness. The nation and the world they fought to protect will endure because of their service and deep sacrifices. Today, we also remember our fellow Americans missing in action, whose fate is still undetermined. We will not rest until we have made the fullest possible accounting for every life that was given in pursuit of our freedoms and preserving democracy. We also pause to remember the men and women who did not live to be called “veterans.” Many of them rest in the hearts of our national cemeteries. We also honor the families of the lost, who carry a burden of grief that time may lighten, but never lift, as well as all veterans family members. Their loved ones placed duty and country before their own lives. America is known as the
land of the free and the home of the brave, but this was never a given. This reputation was earned by the blood and sweat of patriots who, generation after generation, dedicate themselves to keeping our nation safe, strong and free. What veterans have given our country is beyond our power to fully repay, yet, today we pause as a nation to recognize our debt. Finally, on behalf of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs and a grateful state and nation, on this day and every day, we thank you for your service. Kelly Fitzpatrick is the director of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs and Governor Kate Brown’s policy advisor on veterans issues. She is a retired Army officer. Her military awards and decorations include multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal and the Army Parachutist Badge. Fitzpatrick may be reached at 503-3732085.
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