TCC12619

Giving trees

Then and now: Hometown Heroes

sprout across Columbia County Page A6

carries on tradition of honoring soldiers at Christmas Page A2

Crossword-A4 • Calendar-A4 • Market Place-A5 • Public Notices-A5 • Out and About -A6 • Obituaries-A7 • Police Blotters-A8

Friday, December 6, 2019

The Chief

$1 Vol. 128, No. 33 8 Pages

Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

The Castle faces delays in improvements The upper two floors are also being completely re-done, Hazen said, with two of the bedrooms expected to be used for overnight stays.

CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Repairs and renovation to The Castle, home to the Clatskanie Senior Center, are delayed, according to Debbie Hazen, chair on the board of directors for the center. The mansion, located between SW Tichenor and Bryant Streets, is a1900s-era French Renaissance Chateauesque architectural style house. It is known officially as the Thomas J. Flippin House on the National Historic Register, where it has been listed as a site for 40 years. Hazen said there have been some delays with their contractor, Rickenbach Construction, based in Astoria. “We had hired them as our general contractor because they have experience in restoring historic homes and have also done work here for Wauna Credit Union in Clatskanie, but they’ve been busy on other jobs,” Hazen said. “Right now we’re waiting for subcontractors, and now because it’s winter we’ve been held up on painting of the exterior.” The capital improvement project began in the summer of 2017, when Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. kicked off a campaign to accomplish renovation and repairs at the mansion. Specifically, the house was expected to have repairs to its front entry, roof, siding, railings and back porch. On the exterior, the house needed paint, shingles, lighting storm windows and dressings. The interior needed renovation and repairs throughout. Hazen said the senior center was also recently notified the kitchen, where food is made for the homedelivered meals program, needs to be updated to meet modern-day

Fundraisers planned to fill gap

Photo: Dick Winders

The Castle, which serves as the Clatskanie Senior Center, is facing delays to a large improvement project it began two years ago.

code. Repairs were expected to be completed by the fall of this year. Now, Hazen said she expects the project to be completed by summer next year. The entire project will cost approximately $450,000, with the kitchen repairs costing about $100,000, Hazen said. Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. has been building up funds for the repairs for a while. The day after Christmas last year, Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. received a grant of $250,000 from the C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust, a grant managed by Seattle Foundation. By that point,

they had also already acquired two $5,000 grants from the Samuel S. Johnson Foundation, a $4,500 grant from the Georgia-Pacific Foundation, and a $2,000 grant from the Columbia County Cultural Coalition, as well as approximately $100,000 in contributions from local individuals and organizations. Hazen said the project is about $45,000 short of its target goal for completion. Although not yet complete, The Castle has seen progress within the last year. “We have done all of the demolition work inside with volunteers, so it’s all ready for the plasterers, the painters, the floor refinishers and

electricians and plumbers to come in and restore all that has been taken out,” Hazen said. According to Hazen, funds are available for completing the interior work, it’s just delays with the contractor and subcontractors that have halted progress. This summer, the roof was redone on The Castle. The kitchen has also been converted to natural gas for the stove, the water heater and the furnace. Improvements remain to be done for the kitchen, including installing more sinks, stainless steel countertops and a different hood for the range, among other improvements, Hazen said.

To close the $45,000 funding gap, the center has a few more fundraisers planned. One is a Brunch with Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, co-sponsored by the Wauna Credit Union and the Clatskanie Foundation. There will also be an appraisal fair after the first of the year, and the center will be sending out letters to businesses and individuals asking for donations to complete the project, Hazen said. “Contributions of any size are welcome, and Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. is a tax-exempt nonprofit, so contributions before the end of the year can count as deductions on a tax return,” Hazen said. Parts of The Castle remain open for visitors, like the kitchen, which is continuing to serve meals Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, and are free and open to everyone, although there is a suggested donation of $5. Hazen said throughout the project, she has been grateful for the support received from the community. “We hope that by making it more attractive as a B&B and event venue, it will make the program more sustainable for the foreseeable future, as well as saving an architectural piece of history,” Hazen said. Donations to The Castle should be sent to Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc., PO Box 368 Clatskanie, 97016.

Briarcliff Pool temporarily reopens, looks at future funding options CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Rainier Jr./Sr. High School (RJSHS) swim team is now able to practice in the Briarcliff Pool, located at RJSHS, thanks to funding efforts from Friends of Rainier Pool (FORP). The temporary re-opening was thanks in part to a few fundraisers, as well as a few upcoming fundraisers, according to Kari Hollander, FORP President. Those fundraisers were a dinner auction, held Oct. 26 at the RJSHS Commons, which brought in approximately $4,300, according to Hollander, as well as a Chili Cookoff fundraiser that the group held on Nov. 10 at Ol’ Pastime Tavern in Rainier, which brought in $1,002. Hollander had previously said re-opening the pool for the swim team to use from November to February would cost approximately $45,000. Additional fundraisers are on the way to close the funding gap, including a “Swim with Santa” event and a Christmas Bazaar, which will take place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the pool.

Briarcliff Pool, at Rainier Jr./Sr. High School, has been temporarily reopened after some successful fundraisers.

Attendees can pay $15 for an all-inclusive package which will include an open swim, a special holiday cookie, a hot chocolate or apple cider, popcorn and a photo of Santa to take home with them. People can also pay $5 for open

swim only and purchase other items a la carte. The bazaar, which will take place at the same time and in the same vicinity of the pool, will include crafters, vendors of all kinds and a baked goods table run by the

File photo

Rainier Swim team, according to Hollander. Potential vendors interested in being included will need to pay a fee of $25 for a space, and donate an item for the raffle, Hollander said.

Hollander said she is hoping the event will raise funds in the range of $2,000 to $3,000. The temporary opening of the pool is one way the FORP advocacy group has been successful in raising funds to open the pool on what it is aiming to be a more permanent basis, according to Hollander. The pool, which has been furloughed all school year, has been under the operation of the Rainier School District (RSD) for years. Ongoing budget shortfalls have led the district to make cuts, including operating the pool, as RSD Superintendent, Michael Carter has previously said. Operation costs for the pool run around $180,000, as Hollander has previously said. Those funds pay for the pool manager, several lifeguards, electricity and gas to heat and run the pool, as well as basic maintenance Hollander said at the Oct. 23 RSD board meeting, FORP presented and asked the RSD board of directors to open the pool for the

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‘Almost certainly saved lives’: DA says SHPD use of deadly force was justified JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net

In the statement that was released Tuesday, Dec. 3, Auxier said he and investigators found the use of force was “overwhelmingly justified” and almost certainly saved lives as 32-year-old Michael Thomas Veatch was actively trying to kill innocent civilians when Officer Elijah Merkwan intervened. Active shooter in St. Helens Merkwan and SHPD Sgt. Matthew Molden were the only officers on duty for the entire county when they responded to the reported shooting at the St. Helens Chevron at approximately 5:26 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 9. Witnesses reported a person who was later identified as Veatch had entered a restricted area between the food mart and a storage shed claiming he was looking for a lost cat.

When an employee declined to engage with him further and returned to the store, Veatch confronted him in the doorway, pointed a black handgun at his chest and yelled, “I’m looking for my [expletive] cat.” Veatch turned to head for his truck, but moments later, employees and witnesses heard gunshots and the sound of shattering glass just before Veatch’s truck was seen headed down Highway 30 with sparks flying from a blown rear tire. As Merkwan and Molden were responding in separate vehicles to the first 911 call, dispatch received additional reports of gunshots near McBride Elementary School on Columbia Boulevard. One caller reported Veatch had shot at him while he was seated in his car and decided to follow the truck. The caller reported seeing Veatch shooting a firearm randomly while driving, and while he was still on the phone with 911, he said Veatch exited his vehicle and began firing upon the caller with an AK-47. The

caller’s account was later corroborated by bullet damage to his vehicle, witnesses and multiple shell casings recovered from the area. Merkwan and Molden caught up to the truck shortly after the second incident near McBride as Veatch drove down Gable Road towards the highway, driving on his rim. Merkwan reported he believed he could see Veatch handling a box of ammunition as if reloading his firearm. As the truck approached milepost 35 north of Deer Island, where the incident would ultimately come to an end, Veatch’s truck was emitting a considerable amount of smoke. Veatch stopped in the middle of the road, got out and fled on foot after returning briefly to the cab as if to retrieve something. Merkwan reported losing sight of Veatch through the smoke but heard multiple gunshots shortly after. Investigators would later learn the shots the officer heard were from Veatch’s attempt to “car jack and apparently murder” two bystand-

ers, according to the statement. The first victim said Veatch approached his passenger door, pointed a black semiautomatic handgun directly at him and tried to enter his car. The victim sped away but Veatch allegedly fired two shots that struck the victim’s dashboard console and front passenger seat. The second victim was forced to come to a stop behind the first victim’s vehicle, and moments later, Veatch approached the hood of the car and reportedly pointed his gun at the second man’s face as he tried to enter the car. Again, the second would-be victim accelerated, and Veatch fired one round at the car as he fled, striking the center console. Detectives said they discovered bullet holes and bullets in both vehicles that were consistent with the victims’ reports. Just after Merkwan heard the shots fired, he reported seeing a

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Friday, December 6, 2019

Then and now: Hometown Heroes carries on tradition of honoring soldiers at Christmas

Julie Thompson/The Chief

Several boxes can be picked up at the St. Helens Chronicle office. JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net

In the months leading up to Christmas of 1944, the American people had lived on a war economy for almost four years and that summer had seen one of the most significant and bloody battles of World War II when the Allied invasion of Europe began on the beaches of Normandy, France. A Columbia County

soldier, Bill Slonaker, wrote to his former teacher in St. Helens from Germany that November. “I landed in France on D-day and that is one day I will never forget,” he said. “We had the hardest beach to land on. You can probably guess what one.” Earlier that month, two soldiers from Clatskanie had been reported missing in the war. November would also see Franklin Delano Roosevelt elected to an unprecedented and unrepeated fourth term as America’s president. And across the county, citizens were preparing “Christmas Boxes” for their service men. The Columbia County quota was raised to 400 boxes due by Dec. 1, up from an original 335 pledged weeks prior, with the effort overseen by Mrs. D. E. Ostlund. The completed boxes were to be turned in at the Dillard Building on the Plaza, now occupied by the Rose Garden next to 50 Plaza Square in St. Helens. Flash forward to 2019 – the ‘War on Terror’ has dragged on for 18 years and Columbia County still has active duty service men to think of on Christmas. In October of this year, around 100 local troops from the St. Helens based Bravo Company 741 Brigade Engineer Battalion of Oregon Army National Guard were deployed to the Middle East.

From the 1944 Sentinel-Mist archives

Hometown Heroes of Columbia County has stepped in to fill the shoes of Mrs. D.E. Ostlund. Spearheaded by Vivian Rupe and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, citizens can pick up boxes at participating locations with a list inside that will create reverse advent calendars for our troops overseas. Fill the box with care following the list provided and drop them off at the pickup location or at the sheriff’s office.

Participants can turn in their boxes anytime in January, which can currently be picked up at the following locations: • Columbia County Sheriff’s Office: 901 Port Ave in St. Helens • The St. Helens Chronicle: 1805 Columbia Blvd in St. Helens • The Rose Room Aesthetics: 2254 Columbia Blvd in St. Helens • Warren Country Inn: 56575 Columbia River Hwy

in Warren • Ichabod’s Restaurant: 52049 Columbia River Hwy in Scappoose Organizers are still searching for locations willing to host boxes in Rainier and Clatskanie. To volunteer to host boxes, head over to the ‘Hometown Heroes of Columbia County’ Facebook

page and send a message to Rupe. She said she’ll be happy to hear from you. “We are grateful for the freedoms we have,” Rupe said. “Thanks to those willing to give so much. Join us in honoring our deployed members of the armed forced by giving back in this simple way.”

Clatskanie Grows: It’s the holiday season for gardeners Chief Guest Column by CHIP BUBL

Oregon State University Extension Service - Columbia County

Master Gardener™ class signups being taken for 2020 class in St. Helens The OSU Extension office in Columbia County will be offering the Master Gardener™ training again this spring. This year, we are trying a new schedule that allows people that work to attend. The classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and on alternate Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for about 10 weeks starting on February 5, 2020 at the Extension office in St. Helens. Cost of the program is $100.00 which includes a large resource book. Some scholarships are available. Master Gardeners are responsible for providing volunteer gardening education to the community as partial payback for the training. If interested in the program, call the Extension office at 503-397-3462 for an information packet. Online registration is now available at https://tinyurl.com/ ColumbiaMG2020. We can also send you an application and/or you can come into our office to sign up. Oregon 100 year water vision Climate change will affect water resources in profound ways, The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board is engaged in a process to understand what priorities should be for state investments in water quality and quantity projects over the next 100 years. They are looking to gather citizen input. You can find the survey at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ShareYourWVThoughts. The Survey is due by December

13th. It is short and does require some thought. But I know, gentle readers, you are up to it. A gardener wish list (take it while shopping) • Nice gardening gloves, especially those flexible kinds that rose thorns don’t penetrate or nice-fitting leather gloves. • Knee pads or knee benches for gardeners to make close work less of a pain. • A well-made spading fork or shovel. • Cast aluminum hand tools or specially designed “ergonomic” tools for less muscle strain. • A greenhouse or a good cold frame (could be homemade). • High quality loppers or hand pruners • Gift certificates to garden centers • A soil thermometer is very useful. So are moisture meters with ~12-inch probes. Both are inexpensive gifts. • Q Knot reusable cable ties are handy for staking tomatoes or trellises. Get them from a local hardware store. • Manual or electric water timer. This device can be attached to any faucet, and automatically shuts off water after a set amount of time. Get a single or dual model from a hardware store. • Water bubbler with flow control or other interesting sprinklers. • Corona Quick Tool Sharpener. A pocket-sized tool for sharpening pruners, shears, blades. • Floating row covers are lightweight blankets to put over vegetables that help capture warmth and protect plants. May be available from the Extension office in February/March. Call us. • Heavier row covers for pot protection from cold

winter weather: We have some now at the Extension office at a sale price. • A Hori Hori Knife is a transplant knife from Japan, that’s part trowel and part knife. Also, good for dispatching slugs. It is a great tool. • Folding pruning saws are neces-

ered chain saws, pole pruners, and weed whackers. For casual users of these tools, they may work well and not have the challenges of a gas–fueled version. • A good Insect, Mushroom, or Weed identification book. • Support for our Food Bank and lo-

Clatskanie Grows sary for pruning but also handy for camping or backpacking. Fiskers, Barnel, or Corona are good brands. • LED headlamp is handy tool for gardening or locating slugs at night (if you are so inclined). If you have close neighbors, warn them of your new hobby. Also good for looking for carpenter ant evidence under your house.

• The market has a number of lithium battery-pow-

cal efforts to help those in need.

last for a long time in all but the driest homes. When you get your tree, especially if it’s from a lot and may have been stored for a time, cut the base a half inch to open up fresh wood for water uptake. Place the tree in water and don’t let it go dry. You can keep a tree outside in the shade for a long time before you bring it in. If you do that, cut the base again. Buy a tree stand with a large reservoir, because in the first few days in the house, the tree will take up quarts of water. There is little evidence that any of the preservatives have much of an impact on the longevity of the tree. Smaller trees (sold as “table tops”) have a much harder time retaining needles and not drying out, even with the most attentive watering. Grand fir can be greatly affected by running out of water for even 12 hours. Other species can usually tolerate up to 24 hours of dryness, but don’t test them.

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 503 397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online

Keeping Christmas trees fresh This one is simple. It’s the water and the tree. First, it is worth noting that the Christmas tree growers have been funding research for years on the conifer species and genetic lines within those species that best retain their needles indoors after cutting. The most popular species are Douglas, grand, noble, Fraser, Turkish, and Nordmann fir trees. They all have excellent needle retention characteristics. When picking out a tree from a lot, check some of the outer branchlets to see if they snap when bent. On the freshest trees, they do. But most important, if you keep your tree from running out of water, it will

and there, some spiders, and possibly, queen yellow jackets. My perspective has been to gently capture them and release them outside. While the yellow jacket queen may be quite drowsy (or not, depending on how long it’s been since she woke up), she can still pack quite a sting, which she can repeat several times. So be cautious. Donate to the Food Bank this year.

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 https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/ . Click on publications and start exploring. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. A number of insects like to winter in the dense cover of Christmas trees. When the trees are brought inside, the tree and the insects come out of dormancy. You may see the brown marmorated stink bug wandering around, perhaps a box elder bug here

Contact information for the Extension office Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County. 505 N. Columbia River Highway, St. Helens, OR 97051. 503 397-3462 Email: chip. bubl@oregonstate.edu.

Columbia County Board of Commissioners adopts fiscal sustainability report The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has adopted a report that details new revenue sources that have the potential to improve the county’s fiscal position over the next three to five years. The report, entitled “Fiscal Sustainability in Columbia County: A Path Forward” is the result of months of technical work and discussion regarding revenues and expenditures as well as funding needs for the county. The board utilized the services of ECONorthwest to research more than a dozen possible revenue sources that would fund a variety of county services. An ad-hoc advisory committee of residents and representa-

tives of county business, public health, education and economic development interests provided feedback on the possible methods and to inform the process. “Oregon property tax laws have hampered the ability of local governments to raise one of the most important revenue sources that they can access,” said Commissioner Alex Tardif, who served as board liaison to the study, which took place over six months. “With Measures 5 and 50 limiting the growth of property taxes, counties across the state have had to look at alternative methods to fund critical county services.” The purpose of the study was to create a funding

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strategy that would provide a sustainable solution to funding challenges, meet a variety of county-wide needs, and would be understood and supported by the community. The study will also guide the county’s strategic decision-making processes in the coming years. The report adopted by the commission identifies 15 potential methods that if successful, would raise an estimated $242 million from community fees, local option levies, service districts and a variety of user taxes. The funds would be directed towards roadway use, operating and capital expenses, and maintenance, among other needs. Cities

would also benefit financially from the approval of some of the methods. With help from county staff and the advisory committee, the potential new revenue tools were evaluated across five criteria. These include legality, efficiency, proportionality/ equity, political feasibility and magnitude of additional funding. Based on that evaluation, the advisory committee narrowed down the revenue tools to a short list of those with the most nearterm viability. ECONorthwest then projected funding capacity for those tools and built funding scenarios to meet the county’s unmet funding needs. “We know that doing

nothing and maintaining the status quo will harm the county’s ability to fund the services our residents want and need,” said Tardif. “We have projected that over the next five years, to simply maintain our existing level of services and make vital capital improvements, we would need at least $29 million.” Tardif further explained that for the county to fund any increases in service needs and to implement other projects identified as high priority, an additional $42 million in revenue would be needed. These high priority projects include improving public health, transportation and safety services, road

maintenance, and bringing broadband to residents across the county. “The Board of Commissioners recognizes that any new revenue sources could impact county businesses and residents, therefore, they should be fair and equitable,” Tardif said. “But our residents are the ultimate decision-makers; what we have done is to create a framework for them to understand the needs, trade-offs and ways to improve their county’s fiscal situation.” View the full report on the county’s new website [www.columbiacountyor. gov]www.columbiacountyor.gov.

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Friday, December 6, 2019

Weekly Online Poll Do you cut down your own Christmas Tree? Yes

No

Last Week’s Results Do you plan on skiing or snowboarding this upcoming season? 17% Yes

83% No

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

•

•C ommunity C alendar • •

Mondays: • Oregon Hunters Association Columbia County Chapter membership meetings are held the second Monday of each month at the Kozy Korner Restaurant in St. Helens. Meetings start at 7 p.m. or come early at 6:30 p.m. for some good food and visiting. • Community Action Team Board of Directors meetings take place on the fourth Monday of every month unless the meeting would fall on a holiday, from 2 – 4 p.m. in the CAT boardroom, 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens. • The American Legion Post 68 meets the second Monday of the

month at 7 p.m. at the Legion Hall, 930 SE 5th St., Clatskanie.

SHOOTER

Use of deadly force

From Page A1 vehicle without headlights with what he believed to be a murdered driver slumped behind the steering wheel. In the days that followed, investigators would learn the driver had pulled to the side of the road and shut off his lights so that police could see the gunman. However, according to Auxier, Merkwan reasonably believed Veatch had killed the driver and could still see him continuing to fire upon additional vehicles. Merkwan told investigators Veatch was “going down the line of stopped traffic and he was shooting people.”

Tuesdays: • The VFW meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at 960 SW 5th St., Clatskanie. • The Columbia County Law Library will be holding Court Forms Clinics every Tuesday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Get help filling our court forms commonly used in the Columbia County courthouse. The forms are free and the clinic is free. Sign up is required and is available at the courthouse Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. or at the Law Library Tuesdays and Thursdays from

Merkwan told investigators he knew he had a “brief opportunity to intervene.” Engaging Veatch with a handgun was not a viable option – driving closer and getting out to engage Veatch would take too much time and Veatch could have shot another driver. Additionally, the stopped motorists were behind Veatch, and if he were to fire and miss, a bullet from his gun could strike an innocent person. Merkwan was also reportedly concerned that Veatch was close enough to a vehicle that he could take cover behind it, leaving an innocent driver between them if a shootout were to occur. Instead, Merkwan intentionally struck Veatch with his patrol vehicle.

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 270 S. First St., St. Helens. Questions: 503-3965344 or ccll@columbiacll.org or davis12000@aol.com. Wednesdays: • Rotary Club of Columbia County – St. Helens meeting is held at the Warren Country Inn at 12 p.m. For more information, call 503-3972341. • Columbia SWCD meets the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., 35285 Millard Rd., St. Helens. December’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. • Lawyer in the Law Library is a series of talks about common legal problems. Meeting are “When Merkwan decided to drive his vehicle towards Veatch and intentionally strike him, he did so under the reasonable belief that the defendant was shooting people indiscriminately,” Auxier said in his statement. “Merkwan’s belief of imminent danger to the public was not only reasonable, but also 100-percent accurate. Independent witnesses and physical evidence from the scene prove beyond any reasonable doubt that the defendant was intent on killing someone that morning and Merkwan’s actions very likely saved innocent lives.” Auxier also noted that Merkwan told law enforcement he did not intend to kill Veatch when he struck him with his vehicle. After handcuffing Veatch, Merkwan immediately began an at-

on the second Wednesday of each month from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. A lawyer will provide basic information and answer your questions about the topic of the evening. Columbia County Law Library, 270 S. First St., St. Helens. Call 503-396-5344 with questions. • Port of Columbia County Board of Commissioners hold meetings at 8:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at the Port of Columbia County office, 100 E St., Columbia City. Thursdays: • The Veterans breakfast is held the first Thursday of the month at tempt to render lifesaving aid, although unsuccessful, and radioed that an ambulance was “needed ASAP.” Additionally, Veatch’s brother arrived on scene as Merkwan and Molden were trying to revive him. Veatch’s brother reportedly became upset and disregarded Merkwan’s request that he remain by his vehicle. Auixer said both officers would have been justified in ceasing their efforts to resuscitate Veatch and focus instead on detaining his brother for their own safety, but they continued their efforts to save Veatch’s life. Connections to the death of Deputy Justin DeRosier Veatch’s brother, Matthew Veatch, who showed up on scene the day of the shooting,

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: HAPPY HOLIDAYS

ACROSS 1. Taken where? 6. Vegas bandit’s body part 9. Titian’s Venus or Collier’s Godiva 13. Indian metropolis 14. Flapper’s neckwear 15. E-cigarette output 16. Galsworthy’s “The Forsyte ____,” pl. 17. Bovine hangout 18. UV light absorber 19. *Scrooge’s late partner 21. *December 26th, a.k.a. ____ Day 23. Ideas worth spreading, acr. 24. Great deal 25. *Like Santa’s suit 28. “____ Las Vegas,” Presley song 30. 1/100th of a ruble 35. Pupil’s place 37. *Sleigh bell sound 39. Fairytale dust-sprinkler 40. German Mrs. 41. Chose between competitors 43. Type of ballistic missile, acr. 44. Not a gregarious one

Fridays: • Veteran’s Breakfast at the Village Inn in the Banquet Room the first Friday of every month. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the meeting starts at 8 a.m. Guest speakers will discuss topics that are important to local Veterans and their families. All veterans are welcome to attend.

Saturdays: • NAMI Columbia County Support Group, National Alliance on Mental Illness, meets on the second Saturday of every month from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at the Elks Veterans Bunker, 125 S. 13th St., St Helens, Oregon. For more information, contact Judy Thompson 503-397-6056 or contact NAMI Oregon at 503230-8009. • The Rainier Historical Museum is open every Saturday from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. It is located inside Rainier City Hall. Please enter the side entrance and take the elevator to the 3rd floor.

was accused of aiding Brian Butts in his escape from the police after the murder of Deputy Justin DeRosier in the Spring of 2019 and went to trial for those charges at the end of October. Veatch’s girlfriend, Samantha Eastman, was also indicted with rendering criminal assistance to Butts last week alongside defendant Ricky Roberts. Veatch was also suspected of committing a drive-by shooting in Beaverton on Sept. 6 that injured one person and killed a dog. According to the statement, police recovered several 7.62mm bullet casings from the Beaverton crime scene – the same as many of those recovered from the Chevron shooting incident. Following Veatch’s death, investigators recovered a

Pioneer Arms 7.62mm AK-47 rifle from inside his truck, as well as two 12-gauge pumpaction shotguns, a rifle butt and rifle accessories, empty magazines and multiple cartridges of ammunition, both empty and unfired. A 9mm semiautomatic pistol, a damaged magazine of ammunition and unfired cartridges were also found near Veatch’s body. Eastman told investigators she received a phone call from Veatch on the morning of Oct. 9 saying he was being chased by the police and was going to die. She reported hearing gunshots in the background of the call and believed it was Veatch firing from his car. According to Auxier, multiple associates disclosed hearing Veatch say he would rather die than return to prison.

46. Castaway’s home 47. Fungal spore sacs 48. Pencil end, often 50. ____-a-Sketch 52. Summer color 53. Cuckoo 55. “____ the ramparts...” 57. *Santa’s call 60. *Welcoming holiday decor 63. Bird of prey’s hunting tool 64. 16th birthday gift? 66. Engages the services 68. Skirt shape 69. Beehive State native 70. Bikini, e.g. 71. Bibliophile’s concern, sing. 72. D.C. bigwig 73. Australian Aboriginal’s war club

claim, ____ he drove out of sight...” 15. Public opinion, in Great Britain 20. Changes to a manuscript 22. Sturdy tree 24. Telephone part 25. *Ralphie’s wish 26. Trial’s partner 27. Late Princess of Wales 29. IV+IV 31. Type of cotton fiber 32. Exit plus s 33. Around 34. *Macaulay’s famous character 36. Takes to court 38. *Hanukkah gift 42. “Magnolia” ware 45. Not in its original form 49. Pep rally syllable 51. TV variety show classic 54. Concentrate 56. Yogurt-based dip 57. *Manger’s glow 58. Dish of stewed meat 59. “____ if you...,” on a bumper sticker 60. Small songbird 61. Trampled 62. In custody 63. Coca Cola’s first diet drink 65. *What Whos did to roast beast? 67. Silvester Stallone’s nickname

10 a.m. at the Legion Hall, 930 SE 5th St., Clatskanie. • The regular monthly Rainier Chamber of Commerce meeting is held on the second Thursday of every month at 12 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. Lunch is provided for a suggested $6 donation.

DOWN 1. *Do holiday ones start earlier every year? 2. Show pleasure 3. Aquarium organism 4. Navigational aid 5. *Hanukkah month 6. Competently 7. Wade’s 1973 opponent 8. Not yes, nor no 9. Like Hitler’s Germany 10. Second word in fairytale 11. *Ding follower in “Wonderful Christmastime” 12. *”But I heard him ex-

Answers to crossword on A7

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The Chief (USPS 116-360) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 148 N. Nehalem St., P.O. Box 8 Clatskanie, Oregon 97016 Periodicals postage paid at Clatskanie, OR 97016

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Paul’s Tree Service Inc. No bush too small, no tree too 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.

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Toy N Joy breakfast Sat. 12/7 from 7:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Rainier United Methodist Church, 101 East C St., Rainier. (corner of 1st St. & C St.) Proceeds go to Rainier Toy N Joy cost by donation. Contact person: Lisa Soule 503369-3561.

OPEN ENROLLMENT Exchange Insurance Services. We can help you navigate the overwhelming insurance options. I have been helping individuals, families, & businesses with their health, life & disability coverage. My service is “free”. Contact please call (503)-591-0210, text (503)998-9040 to make appointment Terri Hemphill Exchange Insurance Themphill@ex chngeins.net

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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW CC19-1138

CC19-1140

CC19-1141

MONTHLY MEETING NOTICE BOARD MEETING NOTICE Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection The Board of Directors S Nehalem. The agenda The board of directors for agenda include, but are not District MEETING NOTICE the Clatskanie Library District will hold a regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the library located at 11 Lillich St. Items on the

limited to the following; approval of the minutes, approval of the financial report and payment of the bills, and update on the technology project.

for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold a Board meeting, Monday, December 9th, 2019, 6:30 p.m. at Clatskanie Elementary School, Media Center, located at 815

includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, consent agenda and an executive session. The public is encouraged to attend.

The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District board of directors will be held on, Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 7:00pm at 555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, OR,

Port of Columbia County Offices (the Old Middle School). Items on the agenda, but not limited to: Updates on daily Fire and EMS operations. Board President, Robert Keyser.

CC19-1115

TS No. OR05000079-19-1 APN 8646 TO No 190930132-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, RAYMOND W. GRAU AND BETTY KAY GRAU, HUSBAND AND WIFE as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY OF OREGON as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for GMAC MORTGAGE CORPORATION DBA DITECH.COM, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of November 11, 2004 and recorded on December 13, 2004 as Instrument No. 2004015330 and the beneficial interest was assigned to LOANCARE, LLC and recorded August 21, 2019 as Instrument Number 201906699 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 8646 A TRACT OF LAND IN THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER, OF SECTION 19, TOWNSHIP 4 NORTH, RANGE 1 WEST, WILLAMETTE

MERIDIAN, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE SOUTH EAST CORNER OF THAT TRACT OF LAND DESCRIBED IN DEED FROM JOSEPH M. LYNCH AND ESTHER LYNCH TO C.J. LARSON RECORDED MARCH 16, 1912 IN BOOK 17, PAGE 338, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON; THENCE NORTH 61° 45` WEST 548 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE BETHANY CHURCH CEMETERY PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN DEED RECORDED FEBRUARY 8, 1909 IN BOOK 12, PAGE 210, DEED RECORDS; THENCE NORTH 28° 15` EAST ALONG SAID CEMETERY PROPERTY 313.50 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE SOUTH 60° 37` EAST 525.17 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WEST BOUNDARY LINE OF THE S.P. & S. RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY; THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG SAID WEST BOUNDARY OF THE S.P. & S. RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY 320 FEET, MORE OR

LESS, TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PORTION THEREOF LYING WITHIN THE COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY; ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THAT DEED TO WALTER WIDMER ET UX RECORDED IN BOOK 94, PAGE 199, DEED RECORDS AND ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THAT DEED TO L.C. HERSGARD ET UX RECORDED IN BOOK 193, PAGE 207, DEED RECORDS. Commonly known as: 56921 COLUMBIA RIVER HIGHWAY, WARREN, OR 97053 Both the Beneficiary, LoanCare, LLC, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq. OSB #120112, OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s

CC19-1139

(Archie Rolin Brown) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of ARCHIE ROLIN BROWN, Deceased. No. 19PB05239 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSON 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 December 6, 2019. Nola J. Russell, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

CC19-1145

REGULAR MEETING NOTICE Rainier City Council will Meet Monday, December 9th, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. at 106 West B Street, Rainier Ore. Agenda Items include: Consider Approval of November 4th

and November 11th 2019 Regular Meeting Minutes, Affordable/Senior Housing Update, “A” Street Update, Riverfront Trail Update, Fox Creek Update, Consider

Approval of Resolution for Procurement Policy, Consider Approval of RV Park Camping Ordinance, Consider Approval of the CBR Agreement

failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 01/01/2019 to 01/01/2019 at $1,108.35 9 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2019 to 10/04/2019 at $1,120.52 Monthly Late Charge(s): 1 Monthly Late Charge(s) 10/10/2019 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $108,183.07 together with interest thereon at the rate of 5.75000% per annum from December 1, 2018 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on February 21, 2020 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia,

sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without

CC19-1143

Clatskanie People’s Utility District is requesting proposals (RFP) for a Joint Use Audit Proposals must be received by 2:00 pm PST, January 2, 2020 at the District office – 495 E. Columbia River Hwy, Clatskanie, OR, 97016. Information concerning

RFP details and the scope of work can be viewed at clatskaniepud.com. Interested parties may also contact: Josh Custer – 503-308-4603 or jcuster@ clatskaniepud.com.

CC19-1144

BOARD MEETING NOTICE Monday, December 9th, the Rainier School Board has training at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:30 p.m. by a Regular Board Meeting, both in the Boardroom at

28168 Old Rainier Rd. Tuesday, December 10th at 6 p.m. the Rainier School Board Committee for Superintendent’s contract will meet in the Boardroom.

limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 10/10/2019 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq. OSB #120112, OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Order Number 65474, Pub Dates: 11/22/2019, 11/29/2019, 12/06/2019, 12/13/2019, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

Public Notice deadline: Wed. by noon. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

Place your ad in The Chief. Email Amy at atrull@countrymedia.net. Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A6

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Friday, December 6, 2019

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Giving trees sprout across Columbia County lumbia Humane Society. The society provided ornaments listing items they need. The bakery could not be reached by press time to provide a deadline for donated gifts. Their hours of operation are listed as 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Address: 1945 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051

JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net

Last week, The Chief posted to Facebook seeking the community’s help in locating all of the “giving trees” that have been sprouting up in Columbia County, and boy … did the community respond. This reporter spent the bulk of an entire afternoon calling various locations across the county, with each one excitedly offering information and tips about where other giving opportunities could be found. We feel quite certain this list is incomplete, and we will do our best to update the article’s online version at thechiefnews.com as additional giving opportunities present themselves throughout the holiday. It is no secret there are many in our community in need – from our children in foster care and our local senior citizens who may not have family nearby, to our four-legged friends in the pound – there is a Christmas to create in this list for each of them. Suffice it to say, Columbia County has a big heart. Santa will have a lot of help this year in making sure everyone in our community has a very merry Christmas. Giving locations

Columbia County Circuit Court: In support of the Department of Human Services, gifts made at this giving tree support children in foster care. Commonly-requested items include legos, makeup, gift cards to local shops, barbies and board games. Locals are encouraged to donate between now and Dec. 20. Address: • 230 Strand St, St. Helens, OR 97051 Windermere Real Estate:

Kelli Nicholson/The Chief

The John L. Scott’s giving tree located at the Scappoose Fred Meyers.

For those in need, applications are still available to benefit from the program, and are due by Dec. 9 for Columbia River Fire & Rescue and by Dec. 12 for Scappoose Fire District.

Clatskanie Baptist Church:

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office:

The giving tree at Clatskanie Baptist Church benefits local families in need that were brought to the church’s attention. Stop by any time while the pastor is working, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (and of course on Sundays) to pick up a tag. They ask that the gifts are returned unwrapped, and the deadline to contribute is Dec. 22. Address: • 415 N Nehalem St, Clatskanie, OR 97016

The sheriff’s office has “the cutest little giving tree” according to officials, decorated with a Snoopy and Charlie Brown theme. The tree will benefit the animals held at Columbia County Animal Control. The sheriff’s office will accept donations for our furry friends right up until Christmas. Address: • 901 Port Ave, St. Helens, OR 97051

Columbia River Fire & Rescue: Columbia River Fire & Rescue has two trees set up in support of their annual ‘Toy N Joy’ program. Their trees can be found at the St. Helens Walmart and inside the Rainier Post Office. These trees support the communities within the agency’s district, from Rainier to Warren. The deadline to donate gifts is Dec. 18. Addresses: • Walmart: 2295 Gable Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 • Post office: 207 W A St, Rainier, OR 97048 Locals can also donate toys directly to both fire stations. Officials ask that the toys be brand new and unused, and they will accept them wrapped or unwrapped, as long as they know the sex of the child the toys are intended for. Addresses: • Scappoose Fire Station: 52751 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 • Columbia River Fire & Rescue: 105 S 12th St, St. Helens, OR 97051

Columbia Community Mental Health – Columbia County Developmental Disabilities Program Office: The giving tree at Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) will spend most of the time at Columbia County Developmental Disabilities Program Office, but will be at the CCMH Creekside Campus some of the time. This tree will benefit adults who live in foster or residential homes who often don’t have any family. Officials said the only people many of these adults have in their life are paid support staff, so they wanted to make sure they had a little something “extra” around the holidays. Officials ask that the gifts come back wrapped if possible, with tags securely attached. They will accept gifts until Dec. 19, with deliveries to be made on Dec. 20. Addresses: • 58646 McNulty Way, St. Helens, OR 97051- Creekside Office • 58523 Old Portland Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 – CCMH Developmental Disabilities Program

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Kelli Nicholson/The Chief

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office giving tree.

Sponsored by John L. Scott Real Estate to benefit SAFE of Columbia County:

Address: • 51531 SE 2nd St, Scappoose, OR 97056

These trees are located in Vinnie’s Chicago Sandwich Shop in St. Helens and at Fred Meyer in Scappoose. They are decorated with assorted gift tags for families, and organizers ask the presents come back wrapped with the tag attached so they know who they’re meant for. They will accept gifts until Dec. 20. Addresses: • 1521 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051 – Vinnie’s • 51501 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 – Fred Meyer

Columbia River Foursquare Church, in partnership with Riverside Community Outreach:

Oregon First in Scappoose: Oregon First has two giving opportunities running this holiday season. Collectively, Oregon First as a whole participates in the KGW toy drive, but our local branch didn’t want to take anything away from Scappoose Fire District’s ‘Share and Care’ Program, so they are collecting for both. Oregon First will accept any unwrapped toy for children aged 0-18, and said they will usually ask which program you prefer your items to be donated to. Deadline for their Share and Care dropoff is Dec. 12, and for the KGW toy drive, they will accept until Dec. 16. Address: • 33555 E Columbia Ave Suite 113, Scappoose, OR 97056

This giving tree is collecting gifts for local foster children. Take a gift tag from the tree in the commons and return it attached to a new gift for a foster child. Gifts need to be unwrapped and dropped off at the church by Dec. 18. Address: • 555 Commons Dr, St. Helens, OR 97051 St. Helens Market Fresh: In support of our local Department of Human Services, take a tag and bring back a gift. They will accept packages until shortly before Christmas. Address: • 1111 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051 Rite Aid Pharmacy in St. Helens: This giving opportunity is actually a ‘giving wreath’ in support of local senior citizens. Be a Santa to a senior and pick up a tag from the wreath with their requests. Gifts will be accepted until Dec. 13. Address: • 785 S Columbia River Hwy, St. Helens, OR 97051 Bi-Mart in Scappoose:

There are two giving opportunites at Bi-Mart. They also have a giving wreath to Les Schwab also parbenefit the seniors of Home ticipates in both the KGW toy Instead Senior Care. Officials drive and Share and Care, but ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE there said the seniors’LLC requests the manager said “it all stays include things like gift cards in Columbia County” as they A tt tt oo rrfor n ecertain e yy ss stores, pajama A n sets intend to take everything doand socks and various other nated to the local fire depart- 556-4120 (503) 556-4120 (503) wish-list items. They ask that ment. They also take donathe items are brought back tions to the local high school unwrapped, as they’ll have Columbia County’s County’s Premier and help “get everything Columbia Premier a wrapping day people can boxed up.” Their deadline is Personal Injury Injury Attorneys sign upAttorneys for at Home Instead. Dec. 18. Personal Les Schwab in Scappoose:

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Donations are accepted until Dec. 13. Bi-Mart is also a dropoff location for Scappoose Kiwanis. Address: • 51536 SE 2nd St, Scappoose, OR 97056 Healthy Smiles of Scappoose: Healthy Smiles also has two giving opportunities in their office. Each year, they participate in a blanket and coat drive to support the Windermere Foundation’s efforts. Organizers are asking for adult-sized coats, gently used or now, and twin-size blankets. For every coat or blanket donated, Healthy Smiles will donate an additional $5 to the cause. Healthy Smiles is also accepting canned food in support of the local food bank at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Scappoose. For every can of food donated, Healthy Smiles will donate an additional dollar to the church. The deadline for both giving opportunities is Dec. 18. Address: • 33640 E Columbia Ave, Scappoose, OR 97056 InRoads Credit Union, Scappoose and St. Helens: Inroads has a tree at their offices in both Scappoose and St. Helens. These trees benefit the county’s foster children, and tags can be picked up Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. InRoads could not be reached to confirm a donation deadline by press time. Addresses: • 52691 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 • 425 S. Columbia River Hwy, St. Helens, OR 97051 Wiggle Butz Pet Bakery: The giving tree at the pet bakery will benefit the Co-

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The giving tree is located at Fred Meyer in Scappoose, and will benefit the Women’s Resource Center, or SAFE of Columbia County in St. Helens. Address: • 51501 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 Scappoose Fire District and Columbia River Fire & Rescue: The Scappoose Fire District has three giving trees set up in Scappoose in support of the agency’s ‘Share & Care’ program. They can be found inside Fred Meyer next to the jewelry store, at the Scappoose Smoke Shop and at Ichabod’s. Hosted by the Scappoose Volunteer Association, these trees support the Scappoose community. The deadline to donate gifts is Dec. 18. Addresses: • Fred Meyer: 51501 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 • Scappoose Smoke Shop: 52507 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 • Ichabod’s: 52049 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR 97056 St. Helens High School: There are two trees set up in St. Helens High School for a project coordinated by the high school’s Leadership PBIS coordinators, which anonymously supports a family of six within the district each year. Student organizer Amarah Comer, in conjunction with coordinator Jennifer Bartocci, said the easiest tree for the community to access is located in the lobby next to the main office. Comer requests that donors bring packages back unwrapped with its tag attached to the main office. The project began taking donations on Monday, Dec. 2, and will accept packages until Dec. 13 to give them time to package the items as gifts and deliver them to the family by the holidays. Address: • 2375 Gable Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051

•C ommunity E vents • •

December 7 • 37th Annual Merchants’ Toy N Joy Auction at Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavillion. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Silent auction from 4:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Dinner from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Live auction at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 and are available at crfr.com/ merchants-toy-n-joy-andholiday-hope.html as well as Columbia River Fire & Rescue admin office, 270 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens. All proceeds benefit the Toy N Joy & Holiday Hope Programs. • Christmas Tree Lighting at 5 p.m. at ARK Real Estate Inc., 200 E. Columbia River Hwy. Come by for coffee, hot cocoa and cookies. The Clatskanie High School Choir will be there to show off their singing talents.

Rd., Rainier. For kids of all ages. Come explore the entire North Pole including reindeer stables, Christmas tree farm, Santa’s Workshop and meet Santa. Mrs. Claus will have her North Pole Kitchen downstairs with her famous hot cocoa and cookie combo. There will also be “workshop-made” gifts and trinkets for sale in the Head-Elf’s Evergreen Gift shop and Bazaar. Prices are $4 for adults and $2 for children ages six-10.

December 7 & 8 • Beaver Homes Grange #518 is playing host to Santa’s North Pole from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 31105 Beaver Homes

December 12 • The CMHS Drama Department presents Elf the Musical Jr. at 7 p.m. at Clatskanie Middle/High School.

December 8 • Rainier Chamber of Commerce presents Rainier’s annual Christmas tree lighting at City Hall, 106 W B Street, Rainier. Come by for raffle prizes, cookies, cocoa and coffee. Free pictures with Santa, who arrives at 5 p.m.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

• Lower Columbia Genealogy cost to attend this community Meeting will be held 7 p.m. at wide event. Somerset Retirement Home, ETERSEN LARKE LLC ETERSENDecember LARKE LLC 2015 Tibbetts Dr., Longview, 14 & 15 n ee yyHomes Washington. AA tt tt oo rr•nBeaver ss Grange #518 is playing host to Santa’s North Pole (503) 556-4120 556-4120 December 14 (503) from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 31105 • The CMHS Drama Beaver Homes Rd., Rainier. For Department presents Elf the kids of all•Wrongful ages. Come explore Accidents •Personal •Personal Injury Injury •Wrongful Death Accidents Death Musical Jr. at 2 p.m. and 7 the entire North Pole including p.m. at Clatskanie Middle/High reindeer stables, Christmas tree No Fee Fee Until Until Recovery No Recovery School. farm, Santa’s Workshop and meet • The Spirit of Christmas in Santa. Mrs. Claus will have her ego gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn Vernonia from 8 a.m. –OO9rrep.m. North Pole Kitchen downstairs Join us for a full day of family with her famous hot cocoa and FREE INITIAL INITIAL CONSULTATION CONSULTATION FREE friendly events beginning with cookie combo. There will also the Ugly Sweater Run and be “workshop-made” gifts and ending with the lighted parade trinkets for sale in the Head-Elf’s and tree lighting. There is no Evergreen Gift shop and Bazaar.

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Prices are $4 for adults and $2 for children ages six-10. December 15 • Friends of the Rainier Pool invite you to Swim with Santa from 10 a.m. – 6p.m. at 28268 Old Rainier Rd. All day swim pass, cocoa, cookie and popcorn, and photo

with Santa to take home for $15 or swim all day for $5. There will also be a Craft Fair for some lastminute shopping. • America’s Sweethearts (Holiday Show) from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Tickets available at www.clatskaniearts.org

Are you a Veteran? You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

(503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503)

Estate Planning Specializing in Accident Accident Injuries Injuries Specializing in reego gonn && W WaWashington ash shin ingto gtonn IInnin OOrOregon Licensed &

Contact your Veteran Service Officer veteran.services@cat-team.org

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Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

Community Action Team

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, December 6, 2019

•

•O bituaries • •

Michael “Mick” Larsen

Betty Rupp

June 3, 1954 ~ May 13, 2019

On June 3, 1954 the one and only Michael “Mick” D. Larsen came blasting into this world. He was born with an attitude and carried it proudly throughout his life. On May 13, 2019 Mick left this world with dignity and a calmness he had gained from lessons learned while on his life path. Some things you might not have known about Mick. * Mick loved bread and believed you could put anything between two slices of bread and make a sandwich. * There was also a soft place in his heart for ice cream. * He believed sugar was a food group necessary for survival. * While some worked out in a gym, Mick worked out in the mountains and waterways. *His religion and church

was the outdoors were he felt closest to God. * Fishing, hunting and clamming were as important to him as breathing and he never missed a chance to accompany his friends on their many adventures. * Mick’s favorite band was “The Band” and favorite song was Chest Fever. * Mick loved watching cheesy B rated movies and Bruce Campbell was his favorite actor. * His favorite movie was The Evil Dead. * Mick loved to travel. Time spent in Belize was one of his favorite memories. * He never missed an opportunity to point out idiotic actions or questions. When asked “How long have you been growing your hair” he would answer “Since birth.” * Mick was not judgmental. He was respectful

and a no-nonsense/straightforward kind of guy who liked people who offered no BS. * His dress code consisted of 501 shrink to fit jeans and a hooded sweatshirt and would wear his clothes till they were full of holes! * Mick felt dishwashers were useless and refused to load one. * It was almost impossible to make him angry but once it happened there was no going back! * Mick was a visionary and spent the last five years of his life developing a 49-acre piece of property into three parcels and building two of the three houses that were planned. Sadly, he was not able to complete his dream due to illness but what he did create will stand as a testament to his commitment to go after his dreams while preserving the land and surroundings

Edwin Hershell Rains

May 2, 1941 ~ Nov. 30, 2019 Edwin Hershell Rains 78, of Rainier, Oregon passed away Nov. 30, 2019 in Clackamas, Oregon.

Columbia County Law Library opens to homeless on cold night JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net

On Saturday night, Nov. 30, the weather outside in St. Helens was quickly getting colder. On a local Facebook community page, local Brandee Dudzic saw a friend posting for donations to get a room at Motel 6 for two people they’d seen walking down the highway. Dudzic responded saying she would pick up the remaining tab, but then the conversation turned … what was everyone else going to do? The Columbia County Warming Center was not scheduled to open until Dec. 1, and the night would soon see temperatures below freezing. Dudzic considered opening her home for the night, but that wasn’t a viable option considering she has children at home, so she considered other spaces she had access to. Immediately, she thought of the Columbia County Law Library. “The Law Library is such a special place to me and it made all the sense in the world to me to open it for the night,” Dudzic said when The Chief reached out to her to ask her about opening its

doors on Saturday night. Dudzic said she went through the appropriate channels to get permission to open for the homeless. She made it clear it was a one-time thing – we have a warming center she’s grateful for, she said, they just weren’t open, and she wanted to fill the gap. She laid out plans to call the St. Helens Police Department ahead of time to let them know and make sure they were available for some extra rounds on South 1st Street in case they were needed. She would stay awake and remain in complete control of the entire operation and lean on her formal training in bystander intervention and de-escalation. “I am confident in my ability to de-escalate moments of intense emotions and even violent behaviors,” Dudzic said. “I knew what I was getting into. I knew I’d have people who may be emotional and dysregulated, some might have substance abuse issues or might not show up in their right minds. I took all of that into consideration based on the training that I have.” Dudzic ran home to gather every spare blanket she had

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and went to the store for three cases of instant noodles and tea, so she’d have something to offer people. In the end, however, no one came. Dudzic believes she got the word out too late or perhaps the folks who needed the message didn’t have internet access at the time of her announcing its opening. It was snowing when Dudzic left the Law Library, she said she couldn’t believe how cold it was outside, but despite no one coming she was grateful she was able to open. Given Dudzic will run for County Commissioner next year, some have already said the opening was a publicity stunt. In the interest of full disclosure, much like when Mayor Rick Scholl rescued a stranded family from the Columbia River last year, The Chief reached out to Dudzic to get this story. “I knew I had the ability to give them a warm, dry space that night until the warming center could open,” Dudzic said. “I am a doer, and I believe that making a decision, any decision, in the face of a time-sensitive, sincere need, is always superior to feeling helpless and doing nothing.”

Crossword Answers

May 26, 1937 ~ Nov. 14, 2019

he so deeply loved. * The most important thing to Mick was his friends and family. If a man is judged by those who surround him, then Mick was truly a rich and blessed man. A life partner who made every effort to keep him with us even as others began to lose hope. Friends that were there for him even when it was so difficult for them and who time and again came through for all of us in our time of need and a team at the Hospice facility that treated him with dignity and respect while offering information and support to his family. He will live on through our stories and laughter. As Mick’s family, we thank you all for loving him and supporting us through this very difficult time. This world will be a little less interesting without Mick.

Betty passed away on Nov. 14, 2019 at Brookdale memory care facility in Vancouver, Washington. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 39 years, James Rupp; four stepsisters; three sisters; four brothers; and her identical twin sister. She is survived by five children, Virginia (Dale) Archibald of Rainier, Oregon, Eugene (Sharon) Rennells, Brian (Gina) Malin of Vancouver, Washington, Mike (Kristi) Rupp, and Michele (Greg) Bussell of Longview, Washington; sisters Opal Holbrook and Mildred Briggs; eight grandkids; and

six great-grandkids. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019 at Alston Corner Assembly of God.

Jimmy Lay Wolfenbarger Jan. 1, 1935 ~ Nov. 26, 2019

Jimmy Lay Wolfenbarger of Clatskanie passed away at his home on Nov. 26, 2019. He was born on Jan. 1, 1935 in Neoshow, Missouri. He graduated high school in Clatskanie and went on to college in Klamath Falls. Jimmy joined the military and spent 20 years in the Air Force. He is survived by his wife Jean; sister Sally; two daughters Susan and Rex Murray and Sara Griffith; two grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild. Jimmy belonged to the Masonic Lodge 133 Legion and VFW.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2019 at the Clatskanie Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow at the Masonic Lodge.

County seeks input for parks master plan via online survey The Columbia County Parks Advisory Committee is asking residents to provide input on the county’s park system in preparation for updating and streamlining its Parks Master Plan. The county has created a survey, which will be available through Dec. 31. Columbia County manages 13 parks and trails that offer a variety of amenities including tent and RV camping, boat launches, trails, picnic facilities and horse corrals. The Advisory Committee is interested in learning from

park users about which amenities it can improve or add, and which parks should receive additional attention. The CZ Trail, Camp Wilkerson, Dibblee Beach, Fisher Park and Prescott Beach are just some of the parks being considered. The committee is looking for ways to improve facilities at these parks such as the addition of more camping and day use facilities, along with increased river and trail access. The Parks Advisory Committee reviews, advises and

makes recommendations to parks staff and the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on matters related to the county’s parks and marine facilities. The committee, which meets monthly, is made up of members of communities from across Columbia County. The survey is available on the county’s new website at www.columbiacountyor.gov. For further questions about the Parks Master Plan or the survey, contact Lindsay Elder at 503-366-3965.

POOL

raisers, FORP is selling limited-edition cadette charms, at $40 apiece. All of these fundraisers will enable the group to pay RSD back for operation costs of the pool. Currently, the school district and FORP are working together to finalize the agreement with RSD to allow FORP to take over operation of the pool. Hollander said she hopes to have the agreement in place by the beginning of 2020. “The agreement will give us the ability to talk to larger companies and donors as well as do some larger fundraising, and open up a membership drive,” Hollander said. “Until that agreement

is finalized we don’t feel comfortable asking people to give large donations.” Hollander said she plans on taking the pool’s future step by step. “If we could open it tomorrow we would, but that isn’t the reality,” Hollander said. “The next big goal would be to have it open for the summer, for summer swim lessons, and that’s all dependent on finalizing the agreement with the school district.”

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RJSHS swim team, promising to reimburse the district for electrical costs and chlorine. “Everyone, the staff is donating their time, and that’s the biggest expense for running the pool,” Hollander said. “The board agreed to move forward with that at the October meeting and the school district started heating it up in November in time for the Nov. 18 swim season to begin.” In addition to the fund-

Vendors interested in signing up for the holiday bazaar can email friendsofrainierpool@gmail.com or call 503-369-5539

We want to thank all of our family and friends, who helped us by organizing and contributing their time and effort.

We had no expectations beyond trying to organize this “Celebration of Life” on November 22, 2019, to remember and honor the man, that Todd Mitchell Smith was. Please know that the incredible attendance and outpouring of love and respect, that was shown that day, helped ease the pain and huge sense of loss, as the tears we cried were tear shared with those who knew the man we loved. We thank everyone for a day we will never forget. That day was the final curtain added to the “slide show” of our life with Todd Smith. How we wish we could call for a “time out” or go into “overtime”

All our love and gratitude, Karen Smith and family.

Send your obits to The Chief Call 503-728-3350 or email chiefnews@countrymedia.net Columbia County’s trusted local news source

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www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, December 6, 2019

West Oregon Electric Cooperative receives investment to improve infrastructure CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net

West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC), a Vernonia-based co-op, which serves residents in Columbia, Clatsop, Yamhill, Tillamook and Washington counties, has recently been approved for an $8.4 million investment in the form of a loan to improve electric infrastructure in West Oregon. The investment, a loan guarantee from the USDA Rural Utilities Service, is at a low interest rate of approximately two percent, according to Bob Perry, General Manager of West Oregon Electric Cooperative. The investment is part of a $1.2 billion USDA Rural Development program, a news release from the USDA states. The loan guarantee was the result of a two-year process that involved WOEC staff working with their engineering firm to draft a four-year construction work plan, Perry explained. The work plan lays out in detail what WOEC expects to do over the next four years, along with cost estimates of each project in the work plan, according to Perry. “It’s like a home construction loan, first the plans must be approved by the lender and as certain stages of construction are completed and inspected then a limited amount of funds are released to pay contractors,” Perry said. The $8.4 million figure is not a lump-sum loan that WOEC will receive but is approval for the cooperative to apply for $8.4 million over the next several years, Daniel Huggett, Chief Financial Officer for WOEC explained. WOEC can apply for up to $8.4 million in loans or less, but cannot exceed

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that amount, Huggett said. The investment is in addition to other funds that WOEC has been working to secure over the past several years, including other construction work plan loans the non-profit applied for in 2012 and in 2015, which are now part of the project’s loan base, Huggett said. The project, to be done from 2019 to 2023, will connect 79 new consumers, fund eight new miles and improve 41 miles of existing line, which includes four transmission miles, according to a press release from the USDA. “We have systems out there that were built 30, 40 or 50 years ago, it wears out,” Huggett said. The overall goal of the improvements is to mitigate outage problems and improve system reliability, Huggett said. According to Huggett, WOEC has identified a number of projects as needing replacement or improvement. Some specific projects include rebuilding the distribution line from the mid substation back down to Vernonia, enabling power to be directed to those members on that circuit. There are also a number of rebuilds proposed in the Yamhill County area, Huggett said. “Some of it is overhead that we will either redirect along the road to make it easier to maintain or repair as necessary, some of it is going underground as needed to improve system reliability,” Huggett said. The electric cooperative in Vernonia, formed in 1944, is partly the result of the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), created in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to encourage power companies to bring electricity

•B lotters • •

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. Rainier Police Department November 19 • Several small items that were left at the marina were turned in as found property. November 21 • An officer received a report of items taken from a parked vehicle. November 23 • A resident reported items that were taken from their carport. • Eian Longnecker, 23, of Kelso, was taken into custody on suspicion of DUII. Longnecker was also cited for driving uninsured. November 26 • Tools were reported as missing from a tool box in the back for a truck. • A weedeater was reportedly taken from a garage.

• An officer received a report of a stolen purse. The reporting party later called to advise that she found her purse. She had accidentally left it at home. • Another citizen reported a bicycle and tools taken from a garage. November 28 • A concerned citizen advised that a semi-truck was causing a hazard on Highway 30 and that they were concerned it had damaged the solar speed sign. An officer checked the situation and determined the vehicle was lawfully parked and the sign was not damaged. • Officers responded to a family disturbance that was determined to be verbal in nature. Peace was restored. November 29 • A shoplifter took beef jerky from a local business. • A citizen reported being defrauded out of a large sum of money. The report was forwarded to the DA’s Office for consideration. November 30 • Eric Gunnarson, 68, of Clatskanie, was taken into custody on suspicion of DUII.

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to rural communities by offering low interest federal loans to interested providers, according to the history section of the WOEC website. Because private power companies were not interested in these loans, rural communities like Vernonia began to organize cooperatively in a system that remains today, the page explains. “Electric co-ops are a crucial part of our country’s urgent need to improve energy efficiency, both to keep utility bills affordable for rural consumers and to lower energy use overall,” Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden said. “This federal investment in West Oregon Electric Cooperative achieves those goals for Oregonians living in our state’s northwest corner.”

Photo: Les Benedict

The West Oregon Electric Co-Op, based in Vernonia, which provides electricity to customers in Western Oregon.