Local businesses restricted again Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
violation is a Class C misdemeanor, which can carry a fine of up to $1,250 and 30 days in jail. “We have not previously chosen to engage law enforcement, but at this point in time unfortunately we have no other choice,” she said.
MONIQUE MERRILL chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Local businesses are again under restrictions following Gov. Kate Brown’s announcement of a two-week freeze across the state to control the spread of COVID-19. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, the state entered a two-week freeze on social gatherings and certain business operations to curb the spread of the disease. The freeze is intended to reduce transmission of the virus and prevent more people from needing hospital services, which are at or nearing capacity in metropolitan areas, Brown said. “This isn’t just about COVID-19 patients,” Brown said. “The next time you need urgent care, the last thing you want to hear is the ambulance has nowhere to go.” What it means The key differences between this freeze and the stay-at-home order issued in March are that parks and playgrounds will remain open, personal services (like physical therapy and medical spas) will remain open under strict guidelines and schools that continue to meet the metrics required to open will be allowed to stay open. Businesses • Work-from-home to the greatest extent possible • Restaurants and bars are
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Kelli Nicholson / The Chief
Colvins Pub & Grill in Clatskanie is again restricted to takeout and delivery only under the Oregon freeze.
delivery and take-out only • Grocery stores and pharmacies are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up • Retail stores and malls (both indoor and outdoor) are limited to 75% capacity and should encourage curbside pick up Social gatherings • Limited to no more than six people total, from no more than two households (indoor and outdoor gatherings)
• Faith-based organizations are limited to 25 people indoors or 50 people outdoors • No indoor visitation in longterm care facilities Must close • Gyms and fitness centers • Indoor recreation facilities, museums, indoor and outdoor entertainment activities • Sports courts, indoor and outdoor pools, gardens • Aquariums, zoos, venues that host or facilitate indoor or
outdoor events The two-week period includes Thanksgiving, and people are asked to modify their Thanksgiving plans to follow the new restrictions, which permit gatherings of only six people from two households total, Brown said. In a departure from earlier restrictions, Brown said she has instructed the Oregon State Police to collaborate with local law police departments to enforce the gathering limitations. She said it is up to the officers’ discretion, but a
Jon Martin, owner of both the Clatskanie and St. Helens Anytime Fitness locations, said he was disappointed to hear of the shutdown, but not surprised. The two-week freeze requires gyms to close completely, much like the earlier restrictions. “We were hoping it did not have to come to this, but we are understanding and supportive of this decision,” Martin said. Since the last shutdown, the clubs have had about a 30% decrease in both usage and revenue, he said. During the first forced closure, the Paycheck Protection Program helped keep employees working and landlords were able to provide rent relief, this time it’s less certain what relief will be available. “The clubs will survive the next two weeks but a prolonged shutdown without government intervention will be difficult for us,” Martin said. Martin froze members bills during the first closure, but will
Revenue forecast shows encouragement According to Brown, wildfires that burned over 4,000 homes and structures in communities across Oregon in September have caused the state to face significant costs in the work to remove debris and rebuild wildfire-impacted communities. Brown said Oregon cannot recover from the fires alone and that the state will need substantial federal support.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused deep economic impacts across the state, the latest Oregon Revenue Forecast is suggesting an improving outlook. “Corporate excise tax collections, lottery sales and taxes on investment forms of income have shown the strongest recoveries, according to the Oregon Revenue Forecast executive summary. “While those sources stand out, all major forms of revenue have bounced back, including laborrelated income taxes.” Gov. Kate Brown said the forecast projects relatively stable state revenues. “While this provides some sense of relief in uncertain times, we know that the sacrifices Oregon’s businesses are making right now to prevent the rapid community spread of COVID-19 will not be reflected until the next revenue forecast is released in January,” Brown said. “We continue to face uncertainty about Oregon’s economy moving forward.”
Brown added Oregon—like so many other states across the country—needs another round of federal stimulus money. “This is a worldwide public health crisis, and it demands a coordinated, national response,” she said. “And we simply cannot wait until Congress convenes in January. Our workers who are facing unemployment and the discontinuation of federal benefits
programs at the end of the year— and employers who have had to close businesses for the betterment of public health—need help. And they need it right now.” Brown said she is calling on Congress to put aside their partisan differences and deliver on a coronavirus relief package, including another round of Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation and an extension of the Pandemic
Unemployment Assistance program and the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program. “There is no time to waste,” Brown said. “We urgently need congressional action to provide direct help to local governments, businesses, and families so that we can all continue to provide critical services to Oregonians during this crisis.”
“I remain committed to exploring additional state-level solutions to assist Oregonians and Oregon’s businesses, especially those that have been hard hit by the pandemic, including the hospitality industry, small businesses, and women, Black, Indigenous, People
Just in time: Eagles donate 386 pounds of food JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The local Eagles have wrapped up a community food drive collecting 386 pounds of donations that have been delivered to HOPE of Rainier, the local food bank. The Chief checked in with
the food pantry’s director Kelly Miller to find out the significance of the donation. The Chief: What does this donation mean to the food pantry’s efforts to help those in need?
Kelly Miller: This donation means everything to our clients and to HOPE’s efforts in helping our families not go hungry. Especially when so many families are hurting financially. The Chief: Right now, what are the most sought-after food items that can be donated to the local food pantry? Miller: HOPE of Rainier is seeking the following items shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, chili, canned vegetables and fruit, tuna and canned chicken, as well as items to go into our Holiday Christmas food boxes such as pie filling, cranberries, olives, sugar, flour, yams, gravy packets, canned milk and chicken broth. The Chief: Due to the stateordered freeze, how are you accepting the food donations, or, are you only taking monetary donations?
This is a portion of the food items for HOPE of Rainer donated by the Eagles.
Miller: Due to the current state orders, we are still accepting donations, but ask every donor to wear masks upon arrival. If this is not feasible for any reason, you may donate monetarily directly to the food pantry by mailing a check to PO Box 448, Rainier, OR 97048, or you may also donate through our website at www. hopeofrainier.net.
Courtesy photo
The Chief: How many clients is HOPE of Rainier currently assisting and specifically who is seeking the food assistance now? Is that up or down compared to this time last year, how much?
about 15%. We are extremely grateful to all the community donors who think of us at HOPE of Rainier - please know that each and every one of you are greatly appreciated.
Miller: Currently we are serving roughly 110 families a month, totaling an average of 300 people. These numbers are up from last year by
The HOPE of Rainier Food Pantry is located at 404 E. A Street in Rainier and can be reached at 503-556-0701.