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VOL. 132, NO. 31 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival returning WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

he Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival is set to return in September of 2024, and the catalyst behind its revitalization is the Clatskanie Arts Commission (CAC) Board’s youngest member, Nate Hendricks. The festival date is to be Sept. 13-15, 2024, and according to CAC Secretary and Treasurer Elsa Wooley, it will be the first time the event will return after an 11-year absence. Henricks is 18-years-old and joined the Arts Commission before the pandemic. He has a love of bluegrass music that was sparked by playing a student-model banjo that his grandmother gave him. “I just kind of picked it up. It was about the only thing I had to do besides schoolwork. So I started playing the banjo and then started playing guitar, and that led into pretty much all the bluegrass instruments,” Hendricks said. Hendricks can be seen performing his music at Colvin’s Pub and Grill about twice a month. Hendricks started as a dishwasher in Colvin’s kitchen but approached owner Kim Rogers to see if he could play his music at the restaurant. “Upon hearing him play, I was just kind of blown away. He’s very, very talented. His style of music and his singing is just a very old soul kind of songs,” Rogers said. “Then we started talking about the bluegrass festival and his passion to bring that back.” Rogers recently made a $1,000 donation to the CAC to support Hendricks’ efforts to bring the Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival back

Kim Rogers presents a check to Nate Hendricks to support the Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival.

to the community. Rogers said he wanted to make a contribution to support Hendricks’ musical aspirations. Rogers said that Hendricks’ ability seems like something you’d see on America’s Got Talent. “Anybody that needs my help that has that kind of ambition and that kind of drive, these days, being 18, 19-years-old? You gotta be kidding me. I would give the guy my right leg if I could. He’s just one of those kids who’s going to do something with his life,” Rogers said. “I’m so blessed that when I see him in another 10 to 15 years, and I go to one of his shows, I’m going to be like, ‘I knew that kid when he

was scrubbing eggs off a plate!” Creating community Hendricks said that beyond the music, what made him fall in love with bluegrass was the people. About a year ago, Hendricks and his grandmother went across the country for a bluegrass festival in Maryland. “At a music festival, in any other genre, strangers are strangers; you don’t know anyone. You go there to enjoy the music, and you head on home. With bluegrass, the people you meet are more like family,” Hendricks said. “I met people

Courtesy photo from Elsa Wooley

[in Maryland] once, I’ve only met them once, and we’re still in contact with each other. I could go and stay at their home if I needed to go to that part of the country.” Those types of connections are part of the motivation for Hendricks to bring the bluegrass festival back to Clatskanie City Park next September. Planning the festival has been going without any significant hitches. “I haven’t really encountered any large problems. Most everything is going pretty smoothly,” Hendricks said. “Progress has been great. Contacting bands has been amazing. I’ve already known a lot

of the bands in the Pacific Northwest, so getting ahold of them hasn’t really been a problem.” Hendricks said that right now, he has five bands lined up to play at the festival. This being the first year of the festival, Hendricks said he isn’t planning on performing himself because he’ll be running around handling the organizational components. One of the focuses for Hendricks for the festival is to engage more young people with the genre. One way Hendricks hopes to engage kids is through the Chick Rose School of Bluegrass. “They have a wide array of instruments that they bring to festivals. And they have a two-hour training program where you sign your kid up, and we teach them how to play that instrument,” Hendricks said. “They then perform that same day.” Hendricks isn’t part of the Chick Rose School of Bluegrass, but he’s helped teach kids in the program because he “enjoys it.” Ahead of the festival, Hendricks said any donations to help fund the project would be appreciated. Addressing the community, Hendricks said he wants people to attend and engage with the event. “I just want the community to show up and see what bluegrass is all about,” Hendricks said. “Don’t be afraid to talk to any of the musicians at the festival. The community needs to grow, and the only way for it to gorw is by you getting interested.” Tax-deductible donations in support of this event may be sent to the Clatskanie Arts Commission, PO Box 1110, Clatskanie, OR 97016.

CRFR appoints new board member WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

At a recent special meeting of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) Board of Directors, the directors interviewed two candidates for the vacancy on the board and selected a new member. The two candidates interviewed on Nov. 29 were former Columbia County Commissioner Joel Yarbor and current St. Helens City Councilor Mark Gundersen. Following an interview process, Gundersen was sworn in as the newest member of the CRFR board. Amid the myriad of issues facing the board, Gundersen comes in with an outside perspective, as he’s never been involved with the fire service. Gundersen said that the catalyst for his wanting the board position was when interim Chief Eric Smythe approached the city council to inquire as to whether any of the councilors would like to become more involved with the CRFR at a board level. “At least the majority of the council, myself included, thought it was kind of a good idea for us to have more communication. This would be a good way to start that,” Gundersen said. “It wasn’t a goal

Obituaries ................. A3 Crossword ................ A3 News and Views ...... A4 Police Blotter ........... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Sports ........................ A6

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Mark Gundersen is sworn in by CRFR Board President Kelly Niles on Nov. 29.

of mine to get on the board. It was more of a need, and they asked me to come down and interview. I interviewed, and they accepted me. I’m happy to help. I like to give back to the community.” As he settles into his new position, Gundersen said that his top priority is to ensure that services are maintained at the same level in the

district. Gundersen noted that there are issues facing the district, but after speaking to the chiefs about the budget, he believes they can overcome the financial issues facing the district. “After meeting with those guys, they’re doing everything they can to make sure services aren’t limited,” Gundersen said. “I just want to make sure that we’re well served. These

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is the first year that Safeway has done the can and bottle drive. Long said that based on this year’s success, they will be doing the can and bottle drive again next year. The Turkey Bucks fundraiser is just part of Safeway’s efforts to support Turning Point this holiday season. Safeway is also doing “Holiday Bags” to raise money for Turning Point. “We have a $5.00 bag or $10.00 bag of items that will be donated to help feed our local families,” Long said. “We are still asking the community for can and bottle donations to help with this fundraiser. Just bring your bags into the store, and we will take care of the rest.” The bags contain a variety of canned and nonperishable goods to help stock pantries for families in need. Long said that she has been blown away by the efforts of the community to come together to support each other this holiday season. Thank you, Clatskanie, for all you do for our community,” Long said. “We can’t thank our community enough for all their help.”

services are important, and I want to make sure that we’re doing the best we can, with the resources that we have, to provide for the community.” Splitting time between the council and the CRFR board, Gundersen said he has the “bandwidth to do it.” With less than a week on the board under his belt, Gundersen said getting up to speed on the full scope of his role in the district is still a work in progress. Gundersen said that it’s a “team effort,” but said that trust throughout the district will be critical to the district’s success going forward. Gundersen emphasized that he feels that Smythe and the administration are going to keep the district “heading in the right direction.” “This isn’t a political thing. I’m just trying to help out. If we’re asked and, I can do it, then I’m trying to help out,” Gundersen said. “If there’s any issues, then I’ll step down.” A message from CRFR

In an information release addressed to the CRFR board and the media on Dec. 1, Smythe outlined the direction the district is going. The release was compiled by IAFF Local 3215 President Schrotzberger and

Smythe. Smythe said the arbitrator has come back with a ruling on the disputed labor contract. The ruling has compelled the administration and the union back to the bargaining table. Smythe said that negotiations will begin at once. In a preliminary meeting, Smythe met with union representatives for an informal discussion of the district’s financial situation and the outcome of arbitration. “The informal talks with President Schrotzberger, VP Petersen, and Secretary Strolis were productive and laid the groundwork for beginning negotiations next week. The direction given by the CRFR Board of Directors was to balance the Fiscal Year 23/24 budget as required by Oregon law (ORS 294.100),” Smythe said in the release. Smythe outlined what has contributed to the district’s overspending and current financial woes. Smythe said some of the changes have been legal issues, investigations, the hire and subsequent removal of a new fire chief, and financial challenges caused by “some combination of harmful choices/bad acts under audit

See CRFR Page A6

Can and Bottle Drive a success The first part of Clatskanie Safeway’s holiday can and bottle drive to raise donations for Turning Point Community Service Center has been a resounding success, according to Safeway Front End Manager Lisa Long. It was a success. The kindness and generosity of Clatskanie was unbelievable,” Long said. “The donations from the can and bottle drive put us above and beyond. The store had raised over 103% of our goal.” The Clatskanie Safeway does “Turkey Bucks” to raise money for Thanksgiving meals, and the proceeds are donated to Turning Point. Long said they achieved their goal of providing 172 meals for local folks in need. As of Dec. 1, Long said that they had raised $9,940 overall and that can and bottle donations were about $1,450. While the partnership between Safeway and Turning Point dates back more than 20 years, this

Courtesy photo from Lisa Long

Lisa Long (left) stands with the Holiday Bags that will raise money for Turning Point Community Service Center.

Friday, December 8, 2023

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Knappa juveniles found in NY

Holiday Spirit

Penny Lyles and Jonathan Stockle. STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Courtesy photo from Clatskanie Senior Citizens

Trees decorated in the Victorian manner with candles (batteryoperated), instead of light strings, will greet those attending the Christmas at the Castle open houses Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. Santa Claus will be available to hear the wishes of young people from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday only. There is no admission charge but donations will be accepted for the senior citizen lunch program. The Castle is located at 620 SW Tichenor Street in Clatskanie.

The Knappa juveniles Penny Lyles and Jonathan Stockle have been located after the pair left the Knappa area after a confrontation with family on November 14. On December 4, at approximately 5 a.m. (local time), the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office received notification that Penny Lyles and Jonathan Stockle turned themselves in to the Warwick (NY) Police Department, according to a Clatsop

The Amazing Bubbleman

Courtesy photo

County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post. The New York agency reports both Penny and Jonathan are safe and cooperating with investigators in that state. Their turning themselves in comes three weeks after they initially left the Knappa area. The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the allegations being made by the individuals in this case. This is an ongoing investigation with multiple agencies, including the Oregon Department of Human Services, according to the post.

Courtesy photo from the Clatskanie Foundation

The Amazing Bubbleman, Louis Pearl, added harmless stage smoke to a bubble creation on top of a young audience member’s head during Saturday’s free performance in the Birkenfeld Theatre at the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Sponsored by the Clatskanie Kiwanis and Friends of the Library, the live show drew approximately 120 amazing and delighted kids, parents, and grandparents. Bubbleman was followed by visits with Santa, sponsored by the Clatskanie Foundation, and a tree-lighting ceremony with the Clatskanie Middle/High School band and choir providing holiday music. The Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce served hot chocolate to those attending.

Logging firms recognized SUBMITTED

St. Helens-based logging firm Pelham Cutting, Inc. and Big O Logging of Birkenfeld have each earned an Award of Merit this year from the Oregon Board of Forestry. The two companies were honored earlier this fall by a regional advisory committee to the Oregon Board of Forestry. That committee gave top honors in the Northwest Region of Oregon to Ron Staley of Ron Staley Enterprises, Inc., of Lebanon, OR., in Linn County. “Ole” Berg is owner of Big O Logging, Inc. His company was chosen for an Award of Merit for helping thin overcrowded forestland during ongoing road repair work, according to a release from the Oregon Board of Forestry. Greg Pelham of Pelham Cutting, Inc., garnered an Award of Merit for his firm’s consistently high performance in harvesting and reforestation, with care to avoid high landslide-risk areas and identify and leave important old-growth wildlife trees. Other top regional honors went to: Eastern Oregon – Leigh Ann Vradenburg with the Klamath Watershed Partnership in Klamath County Southwest Oregon – Wally Plikat of Plikat Logging, Inc., based in Roseburg, OR. The Operator of the Year and Merit Awards recognizes forest operators who, while harvesting timber or doing other forestry work, protect natural resources at a level that consistently meets or goes above and beyond requirements of the Oregon Forest Practices Act. That law requires people to manage forests responsibly and protect streams and water quality, protect and enhance habitat, and reduce landslide risks. The law also requires landowners to replant forests

after harvesting. Videos about each of the three Operators of the Year and all five Merit Award winners can be viewed at the ODF website at https://www. oregon.gov/odf/Working/ Pages/default.aspx. Northwest Oregon

Ron Staley was recognized for working with conservation-minded landowners to protect forested buffers around fish-bearing streams while minimizing soil compaction and disturbance. Staley was singled out for use of new tools and technologies to enhance harvests and protect resources to the highest standards of the Oregon Forest Practices Act*, such as high-end custom drones to fly rigging lines over buffers, a safer and more efficient method. The selection committee was also impressed that Staley protected buffers by moving his yarding rig from one side of a protected buffer to the opposite side in order pull logs up and away from the buffer, thus avoiding any chance of damage to the buffer. He was also praised for excellence in logging road construction and clean up, and for his crew’s willingness to shut down during heavy rainfall to avoid possible runoff of sediment to streams. “Of all the operators I have worked with, this company consistently does by far the best job of post-harvest cleanup of the road system,” said Jerrin Robbins, an ODF Stewardship Forester familiar with Staley’s work. “Examples include shaping of roads to minimize runoff, cleaning ditches and catch basins and pulling any temporary crossings.” ODF Forest Resources Division Chief Josh Barnard said this year’s honorees harnessed innovative technology and

Clatskanie tree lighting

techniques to protect water quality, and helped small landowners improve the health of their forests and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire through careful planning and coordination. “In challenging harvesting sites, they have shown extraordinary care and diligence to protect resources and meet landowner objectives,” Barnard said. “We’re proud to recognize the community spirit and leadership these operators have shown.” Merit Awards were also given to three other companies in eastern and SW Oregon. Eastern Oregon Tim Rude of Rude Logging based in John Day for protecting waters of a fishbearing stream while harvesting in steep forests needing thinning to reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire. Southwest Oregon Butte Falls-based Don Hamman of Don Hamman, Inc. in Jackson County for assisting small landowners in urban-adjacent, high-visibility areas with thinning to reduce wildfire risk. Austin Weber of Weber Logging and Construction, Inc., based in Roseburg for consistent employment of innovative logging technology in steep-slope areas to protect fish-bearing streams and minimize soil disturbance and erosion. Oregon enacted the Forest Practices Act in 1971 as a national model for forest management laws. The law focuses on ensuring responsible forest operations and protecting natural resources in forestland. The Act has been updated many times based on new scientific information and values to create a balanced approach to natural resource management.

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LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article

Courtesy photo from Laurey White

CMHS students perform at the Christmas tree lighting.

The sidewalk in front of the Clatskanie Cultural Center is a special spot where, every year, a lovely tree is lit for all residents to admire. A crowd gathered to watch the tree-lighting festivities and sip hot chocolate provided by the center. A rousing group singing of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” accompanied by students of CMHS, had everyone smiling while they stepped up to sing their “day.”

Friday, December 8, 2023

•

•O bituaries • • Arlene Luoto

Reino Lehto

July 31, 1929 ~ Nov. 30, 2023

1921 ~ 2023

Reino Lehto was born Aug. 5, 1921 on the banks of the Columbia River (Quincey, Oregon), the eighth child of Nestor and Lizzie (Salmon) Lehto. Lizzie died when Reino was nine months old, and Reino spent his first eight years in Astoria with relatives, returning home to finish his schooling (Bradbury School, Quincy). His formal education ended in eighth grade when he joined his father and brother Ruben in working the family farm. Reino was drafted into the United States Air Force in WWII, serving from 1942 – 1945 in Norwich, England as a prop mechanic. Upon returning to the US, he bought a used fishing boat for $600 and launched a commercial fishing career that lasted 46 years, fishing out of Mayger Dock and a member of the

Columbia River Fishermen’s Protective Union (CRFPU). The mechanical training Reino received in the military served him well in his fishing and farming career, and he was known for his ability to fix engines. Reino was a lifelong learner and picked up Facebook in his late 90s and enjoyed it immensely for

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keeping in touch with friends and family worldwide. He loved music and taught himself how to play the organ. Reino was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC), where he met his wife Thelma (Nevala) Lehto in 1954 when touring the Midwest. They married in 1955 in Menahga, Minnesota and settled in Quincy, one mile from Reino’s birthplace. Reino and Thelma lived in the same house in Quincy for 68 years, raising nine children. They celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary at home on the day he died, Dec. 3, 2023. He was 102 years old. Reino is survived by his wife Thelma; five sons, Mark, Paul, Frans, David, and Nathan; four daughters, Mary, Kathleen, Rebecca, and Christine; 19 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 9, 2023 at the Longview Laestadian Lutheran Church on Wohl Road, Longview, Washington. Interment will be at the Mayger Downing Church Cemetery, Mayger, Oregon.

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to sporting events including any of their friends that needed a ride to the events. With all this going on, she also helped her husband and her boys build and operate a successful business, Luoto Logging Inc. She is survived by her four sons, Robert (Bob) Alan Luoto of McMinnville, Oregon, John Geoffrey (wife Jan) Luoto of Tillamook, Oregon, Dan David Luoto of Waldport, Oregon and Randy Scott Luoto of Carlton, Oregon; brother Richard Alford Gilpen of Portland, Oregon; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Harold

and Inez Tozer; husband (64 years of marriage before his passing) Robert Roland (Bob) Luoto; sister Marilyn Jean Anderson of Brownsmead, Oregon; and her grandson Randy Curtis Luoto of Carlton, Oregon. Arlene will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Macy and Sons Funeral Home (corner of 2nd Street and NE Evans Street in McMinnville, Oregon) are coordinating her burial, a viewing is scheduled for Fri., Dec. 8, 2023 between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Sat., Dec. 9, 2023, at McMinnville Covenant Church, 2155 NW 2nd Street McMinnville, Oregon at 11 a.m. There will be a reception following at the same location. In lieu of flowers please donate to Log- A -Load For Kids thru the (Associated Oregon Loggers), P.O. Box 12339, Salem, Oregon 97309, (503-364-1330). All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network and the local children’s hospitals. To leave online condolences, please visit www.macyandson.com.

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Arlene Luoto was a caring wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She went peacefully to meet her heavenly family, Nov. 30, 2023, at the age of 94. She was born to Harold and Inez Jaunita Tozer July 31,1929 in Everett, Washington. She grew up in Westport, Oregon and while in high school she was swept off her feet by Robert (Bob) Roland Luoto. After both graduated from Westport High School they married in the winter of 1948 on December 25th. Arlene’s husband was awarded a basketball scholarship to Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon. Together they settled in Yamhill County and raised four sons. In 1976 Bob, Arlene and their son Bob started Luoto Logging Inc. Their company grew and supported hundreds of families throughout Oregon. Arlene was an avid gardener and loved a beautiful yard and flowers. She was a Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church in Carlton for many years and loved helping children. She was involved with 4-H and FFA with her sons and spent hours transporting her sons

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Measure 110 in need of fixes RANDY STAPILUS OREGON CAPITAL CHRONICLE Chief Guest Article

In November 2020, a nearlandslide of Oregon voters – 58.5% – approved Measure 110, which generally decriminalized small-scale possession of illicit drugs. That passage was a call to change the state’s core policy. Kassandra Frederique, executive director of the pro-110 Drug Policy Alliance, said, “This confirms a substantial shift in public support in favor of treating drug use with health services rather than with criminalization.” That was the core idea: rejection of the long-standing general policy of criminal enforcement, the half-century “war on drugs” widely declared as a failure. State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, remarked, “We need to look at things outside of the traditional war on drugs approach. That’s been going on for 50 years. And I ask everyone, so what do we have to show for this? And it’s 50 years and how many billions, if not trillions, of dollars have been spent?” The approach relied strongly on law enforcement, prison and the criminal justice system. Critics noted that relatively few people really kicked their problems in prison, and once out their lives were so constricted – with few practical choices about where to live or work – that they often relapsed. Those concerns, aired widely in 2020, have faded from public view – though not from validity – amid arguments that Measure 110 hasn’t worked. A number of county governments have called for 110’s repeal. An August Emerson poll suggested a majority of Oregonians felt the same, but there’s reason for skepticism. The poll was backed by the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, whose spokesman, Kavin Sabet, has blasted decriminalization, calling it “part of a very well thought out multi-decade plan by those who want to legalize drugs and the billionaires who are

behind it.” “I do think that if Oregon repeals or replaces Measure 110 or continues to have that buyer’s remorse, which is certainly where the momentum is, this could stop the legalization movement in its tracks because this really puts a dent in those plans of legalization advocates,” Sabet said. For all the talk about repealing Measure 110, most legislative activity now seems to involve additions and fixes for its problems rather than changing the core direction, which is what approval of Measure 110 by voters signals the public wants. However, the will of voters can and should be met with changes on how to execute that new direction. The largest failure with Measure 110, so far, has been implementation: Prevention and treatment efforts have been slow, along with measures to ban activity, such as the public use of drugs, to mirror state law on alcohol and marijuana. Measure 110 has suffered from its timeline – changing enforceable drug laws in just 13 weeks between the election and the law change and long before treatment and other efforts could be set up – along with several gaps in the law. Many early complaints about the measure concerned the slow expansion of treatment efforts. More recently, however, those projects have expanded. The 2021 Senate Bill 755 set up Behavioral Health Resource Networks, described as “an entity or group of entities working together to provide comprehensive, community-based services and supports to people with substance use disorders or harmful substance use.” This took time. The state set up a network in each county and tribal area before using grant funds to cover the cost of services to individuals. The measure probably was overly comprehensive and uniform: Different drugs may call for different responses. Approaches to dealing with opioids (many of which are legal in some cases) is a different proposition than going after methamphetamines or cocaine. Legislation could address the differences. Even more important is

the absence in 110 of serious leverage to pressure – even force – drug users away from bad behavior and into treatment or some other consequence. What might that leverage look like? One option might involve building on the drug courts, active in Oregon as in many other states for many years by giving public officials – and maybe judges – broad authority to compel people to comply with recovery efforts. Policymakers can consider as well that much of Oregon’s law relating to drugs, establishing crimes and penalties relating to manufacture and trafficking, remains in force and continues to be a powerful tool. In October a large Oregon delegation visited Portugal, which two decades ago moved from a crimalized-based to a health service approach to drug use, to pick up lessons from the experience. Portugal seems to have little interest in reversing its course. One of the participants, Janie Gullickson, the executive director of the Portlandbased Mental Health and Addiction Association, remarked that, “It took Portugal eight years to see results they were hoping to see from their drastic change from a criminal approach to addiction to a health care approach. So it’s going to take time, innovation and collaboration. We’re year three, right?” Elected officials seldom are wise simply to smack down a clearly expressed will of the voters. Voters do tend to appreciate, though, efforts to make their will work better. Randy Stapilus writes columns for the Oregon Capital Chronicle. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/11/30/ measure-110-in-need-of-fixesrather-than-repeal/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle. com.

A Fireside Christmas LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest Article

“We love Clatskanie. And the theatre was great, the acoustics were amazing.” Those were the words of Phil Neuman, leader of the Fireside Social Orchestra, which delighted attendees who came to view “A Fireside Christmas,” on Dec. 3 at the Clatskanie Cultural Center. The mini-orchestra is composed of Neuman, his wife Gayle, Elizabeth O’Connor, Laura Kuhlum, Mark McCormick, and Cindy Markham. The group recreates a small orchestra, the type that was featured in parlor and ballroom performances in the 19th century. Some of the unusual instruments the orchestra used included the alphorn, the walking stick recorder, the

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All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency. Rainier Police Blotter November 30 • A disabled vehicle was reported on the bridge. • A truck canopy was stolen from a residence on East A Street. The case is under investigation.

•C ommunity E vents • •

December 9 40th Annual Santa Pictures at Hi-School Pharmacy 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 401 Columbia River Hwy. in Clatskanie. Receive a free 5x7 portrait of your child with Santa, packages available for purchase as well. December 9 & 10 Christmas at The Castle 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. at 620 SW Tichenor Street, Clatskanie. Visit the beautifully-decorated Victorian mansion and museum. Santa will be in attendance from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Donations accepted for the senior citizen lunch program. Ongoing Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor. Call 503-728-3608 for reservations. Use ground floor entrance to the left of

front stairs. Good parking in back off of SW Bryant Street. Castle Tours available by appointment, includes Clatskanie Historical Society museum. Call Debbie at 503-338-8268.

p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Caples Evening Programs The cost for this evening and all our Fireside Chats will be only $5. Caples will be offering a different program the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 1925 First Street in Columbia City. For more information, call 503-397-5390.

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from noon - 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at 106 W B Street. For more information, call 360-751-7039.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www. lowercolumbiariver.org/ events-page. The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30

Have you started Christmas shopping yet?

When will you put up Christmas decorations? 45.5% Already did! 27.3% Thanksgiving just happened, give me a break.

I’m waiting till the last minute! Nobody’s getting gifts this year. Courtesy photo

flageolet, the serpent, and the ocarinas. These instruments lent a distinctive sound to the orchestra. Though Neuman likes playing all the different instruments, the first instrument he perfected was the trombone. Gayle Neuman mostly plays the violin, one that was

made in 1749. The orchestra entertained with classics such as “Three Kings of Orient,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and “Jingle Bells.” The audience sang along with “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and all departed with an awakened Christmas spirit.

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• A bicycle was turned in as found property. December 2 • An officer was advised of a single vehicle accident at the base of the bridge. No injuries were reported. • A concerned citizen reported finding mail. • A stray dog was taken into protective custody and transported to the shelter. December 3 • An officer is investigating a reported hit and run that occurred in the parking lot of Chevron. • Two callers reported a suspicious person attempting to steal a bicycle. The ‘suspicious’ person was actually the owner of the bike. December 4 • A resident reported their

dog, while being walked, was attacked by a neighbor’s dog. The victim’s dog was not injured, but the owner fell during the scuffle and sustained minor injuries. • Officers responded to a panic alarm at a local business. The janitor had accidentally tripped the alarm. • An officer checked on a report of a disturbance. Peace was restored. • An officer checked on a suspicious vehicle that was parked in a residential neighborhood. The vehicle appeared to be unoccupied. December 5 • A caller reported a line down in the Eagles parking lot. A semi-truck driving through the lot pulled loose some low hanging wires.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.

Last Week’s Results

I have most of it done.

The Fireside Social Orchestra performing at the Clatskanie Cultural Center Dec. 3.

Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-3668070.

Weekly Online Poll

Already done!

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The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

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27.2% I’m not decorating this year

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

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Public Notices

PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC23-1864

TS No. OR12000006-23-1 APN 25997 TO No 2319326 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, SAMUEL A. MASSEY AND MCKENNA R. STEIN, NOT AS TENANTS IN COMMON BUT WITH RIGHT OF SURVIVORSHIP as Grantor to COLUMBIA COUNTY TITLE & ESCROW as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for MANN MORTGAGE, LLC DBA LIFE MORTGAGE, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of August 15, 2017 and recorded on August 15, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-07504 and that said Deed of Trust was modified by Modification Agreement and recorded April 22, 2022 as Instrument Number 2022-03812 and the beneficial interest was assigned to FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION and recorded December 22, 2022 as Instrument Number 2022-09601 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 25997 THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE COUNTY OF Columbia, STATE OF OR, AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: Beginning at the Northeast corner of

Lot 1 of FLIPPINS SUBDIVISION OF LOT 1 OF TICHENOR’S FIRST ADDITION to the City of Clatskanie, Columbia County Oregon; thence South 18° West 94.30 feet to the Northeast corner of tract conveyed to George B. Conyers et ux, by deed recorded November 13, 1926 in Book 42, page 387, Deed Records of Columbia County, Oregon, said point being also .80 feet South 18° West of the Northeast corner of Lot 3 of said Subdivision; thence North 72° West to the point of intersection with the center line of a vacated alley, said center line being 15 feet Westerly end parallel to the West line of Lot 2; thence North 18° East along the said center line of said vacated Alley and extension thereof to the Northeast comer of tract conveyed b:J Joseph F. Garrison at ux by deed recorded January 9, 1925 in Book 38, page 327, Deed Records of Columbia County, Oregon, said point being also North 18° East 38.3 feet from the Northwest corner of said Lot 1; thence South 72° East 116.5 feet to the point of beginning. Commonly known as: 560 NEHALEM STREET, CLATSKANIE, OR 97016 Both the Beneficiary, FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, and the Trustee, Nathan F.

Smith, Esq., 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 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 5 Monthly Payment(s) from 09/01/2022 to 01/01/2023 at $1,001.13 10 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2023 to 11/01/2023 at $1,033.40 Late Charge(s): 54.09 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 $150,236.89 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.22000% per annum from August 1, 2022 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 March 19, 2024 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Front

Entrance, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. 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 86.778 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 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: 11/2/23 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-2528300 Order Number 97260, Pub Dates: 11/17/2023, 11/24/2023, 12/1/2023, 12/8/2023, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

CC23-1870

NOTICE OF MEETING

The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold their monthly Board meeting, Tuesday, December 12, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie Elementary Library, 815 Nehalem or via Zoom. In addition there will be an in person board work session @ 5:30 p.m. Please see our website at www.csd. k12.or.us for a zoom link for the regular board meeting. The agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, policy updates and the consent agenda. The public is encouraged to attend. CC23-1869

NOTICE OF MEETING The Clatskanie School District 6J Policy Committee will be hosting a meeting Thursday, December 14, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the district office, 660 SW Bryant St., Clatskanie, OR. You may also join via zoom link, which can be found on the Clatskanie School District website csd.k12.or.us. The agenda for the meeting can also be found there. The public is encouraged to attend.

CC23-1867

NOTICE OF AUCTION Rainier Storage Place, LLC will hold a foreclosure auction at 29098 Dike Rd., Rainier OR 97048 of the contents of the following storage unit: A3

(10x28) James Spaulding, A6 (10x13) & B8 (10x13) Amanda Calhoun. Auction is at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 16th, 2023.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

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Tigers back on the mats WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Winter sports are just getting started at Clatskanie Middle/High School, and the Tigers are looking to pin the competition this season. Head Coach Zach Davis said he is excited about the new season and said that with the 15 boys and two girls in the program, they are represented in all but one weight category. The boys and girls teams have already competed in two meets to start the year, on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2. “Friday the 1st, we were at Knappa High School for the annual Mix N Match tournament,” Davis said. “The kids all wrestled hard and got wins under their belts. Saturday, we wrestled at the Rainier High School tournament. Everyone wrestled extremely well, especially Natalie Baker for the girls’ team.” Baker was the standout performer for both teams, going undefeated in her matches and notching a first-place finish. Baker isn’t the only wrestler that Davis expects to

Friday, December 8, 2023

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Courtesy photo from Zach Davis

Natalie Baker, with her first place plaque.

do well this season, however. The Tigers have several athletes who Davis expects to make noise this year. “Our expectations for the team this year are pretty high. We have three returning state qualifiers: Ben Blackwood, Taylor Crawford, and Natalie Baker,” Davis said. In addition to the standout veterans, Davis said there are a number of young wrestlers who have come up to the high school level this season. Davis hopes that they will continue to grow and improve.

“We have a lot of freshmen this year that have come up through the youth wrestling program that have hit the ground running and are already making an impact on the mat,” Davis said. As with many high school coaches, Davis has lessons that he wants his athletes to learn that go beyond the mat out into the real world. One of the biggest lessons that he hopes the kids take away is the value of hard work and dedication. “If these kids take anything away from wrestling, I would hope that it is the motivation and discipline to go after whatever it is that they want in life and to learn that the more they put into something the more they will get out of it,” Davis said. Upcoming Clatskanie athletics events: December 8

• Junior Varsity Basketball @ Rainier: 3 p.m. • Junior Varsity Girls @ Rainier: 4:30 p.m. • Varsity Basketball @ Rainier: 6 p.m.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the Dec. 1, 2023 crossword puzzle

• Varsity Girls Basketball @ Rainier: 7:30 p.m. • High School Girls Wrestling @Warrenton: 5 p.m. December 9 • High School Wrestling @ Warrenton: 10 a.m. December 12

• High School Varsity Basketball @ PAA: 4:30 p.m. • Junior Varsity Boys @ PAA: 6 p.m. • Varsity Girls Basketball @ PAA: 7:30 p.m. December 13 • High School Wrestling @Astoria: Dismiss 5 p.m. December 15 • High School Varsity Basketball @ Toledo, OR Tournament: Times TBA December 16 • High School Varsity Basketball @ Toledo, OR Tournament: Times TBA • High School Girls Wrestling @AC Nelson: 10 a.m.

District closes Rainier’s Briarcliff Pool STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Rainier School District has closed the Briarcliff Pool following discovery of structure concerns. The following is a release issued Dec. 2, by Rainier School Superintendent Joseph Hattrick. In 2019, the Rainier School District closed the Briarcliff Pool due to funding insecurity. On July 12, 2022, the District celebrated the Briarcliff reopening and has successfully provided swim lessons, lifeguard certification, and access to open swim, aerobics, and lap swim to students, community members, and families. In 2021, in an effort to improve its facilities, the Rainier School District entered into a long-range facility planning process that continues today. Recently, the District invited our risk management consultants (provided through insurance) to further assess our facili-

CRFR

From Page A1 and criminal investigation.” “The consequence was overspending and eliminating our $4.5 million reserve fund and a current fiscal year deficit that now requires cuts to balance the budget. The district must identify savings from reducing expenses to incorporate in a mid-year supplemental budget,” Smythe wrote. Smythe said that the acquisition of the administration building and the hiring of several positions they couldn’t afford contributed to the overspending of the $4.5 million of reserve funds. Smythe cited the inattention of CRFR’s previous finance manager, the Scappoose chief

ties to ensure as we continue long-range planning, that we address areas of need in a strategic manner. Following our risk management visit, we have been working with architects, structural engineers, and our insurance company to develop plans to address the needs identified in the report. On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Rainier School District, in a collaborative decision with insurance and our structural engineer, determined the Briarcliff Pool must close. This is as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture, which has led to corrosion of structural components of the roof system. At this time, we await a final report from the engineer, which will be used to develop a plan to address the safety concerns identified. We do not know the extent of the work that will need to be completed nor the cost, therefore, we are also unsure the length of closure at this time. The District will continue to

update the community of our progress. The Rainier School District continues to prioritize safety of students, staff, and our community, which is why the Briarcliff Pool is closed until further notice. This closure highlights the growing need to update our facilities within the confines of our budget. In anticipation of the engineer’s final report, the District is seeking grants, donors, and community partners to mitigate this as quickly as possible. We understand the disappointment this announcement may cause and we share in your disappointment. The Briarcliff Pool has been a great source of pride for our district and community and we look forward to when the pool will reopen. We remain committed to ensuring this vital service remains available to our students and community and ask for your patience as we work to remedy the issues. Additionally, we invite

your participation in upcoming long-range facility planning events (the next one will be January 22, 2024 at 5 p.m in the Commons). Finally, if any in our community are aware of resources, grants, or potential partnerships, please reach out to the District Office. With our swim team season recently started, we are incredibly thankful for the continued partnership with the Longview YMCA, who will support our swim team with facilities to practice this season. Additionally, our Hudson Park students have benefited greatly from swim lessons during the school day. For the time being, physical education classes will now be held at the HPE gym. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this unanticipated pool closure.

arrangement, and the failure of an outside audit firm as causes for the financial mismanagement. At the Nov. 29 meeting, the board directed legal representatives to assess whether they can assert claims and recover funds due to the failure of former district auditors Pauly Rogers & Co. to notify the board of irresponsible spending. “It is too soon to know whether we can recover some part of the $4.5 million spent without the benefit of proper financial statements and audits, which should have informed the board correctly,” Smythe wrote. In the release, Smythe said that the solution to the financial issues is not going to be solved by quick fixes, such as selling assets like the administrative building.

Smythe detailed that the best-proposed solution they have is to reduce staff without affecting line staff. The district will not fill a total of the nine projected vacancies that are upcoming or have already occurred. They will also reduce another chief officer (a total of 4) and eliminate the fire marshal position. “We hope to restore the fire marshal position soon. In addition to not filling current and anticipated additional vacancies, we must tighten our belts in other ways,” Smythe wrote. Examples Smythe gave of some of the ideas that the administration will bring to the union bargaining team are:

• Curtailing some components of wage increases and/ or wage premiums. • The Chief officers and I will take a reduction in salary comparable to the loss encumbered by our line fire personnel beginning December 2023.

• Ensuring that sick leave and overtime expenses are incurred only properly and are not abused by anyone.

Follow developments at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday Print editions of The Chief.

Smythe ended the release by saying that the district must keep serving and upholding the traditions of the fire service and by serving the community through adverse times. “Ideally, we will balance the budget as the law requires by tightening our belts, avoiding layoffs, and correcting past mistakes. And we will develop plans to protect both the community and our firefighter and paramedic families,” Smythe wrote.

Holiday Bazaar

Clatskanie Tiger Tournament Bazaar

Sunday, December 10, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 471 SW Belair Dr., Clatskanie, OR 97016 Proceeds go to: Individuals of the Educational school sponsored trip to Peru 2024

“Come Experience the Love of the Newborn King, Jesus Christ” St. Frederic Catholic Church Christmas Mass Schedule 2023 • Christmas Eve Family Mass- December 24th 5:00pm/Children’s Pageant at 4:30pm. • Midnight Mass- December 24th celebrated at 10:00pm/Christmas Carols 9:30pm. • Christmas Day Mass- December 25th: ONE Mass only at 10:00am. • New Year’s Day Mass- January 1st, 2024 10:00am.

All are welcome! We are located at 175 S, 13th St., St. Helens, OR Contact the Office for further information at 503-397-0148

Join Christ Episcopal Church for Christmas services Sunday, Dec. 24, Morning Prayer at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve with music Sunday, Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Day Monday, Dec. 25, Spoken Eucharist at 10 a.m. 35350 E. Division Road St. Helens christchurchsthelens.org

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Dianna’s diannasformalaffair.com Formal Affair 503-397-3026

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