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Oregon Supreme Court issues ruling on Ballot 114

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Supreme Court has rejected a request from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to “immediately” review a temporary restraining order by Harney County Judge Robert Raschio, which prevents enforcement of Measure 114.

The high court’s action late Dec., 7, means that Measure 114 is still in limbo and would not take effect Dec. 8.

Judge Raschio ruling Tuesday, Dec. 6, came just hours after Federal Judge Karin Immergut in Portland allowed the measure to continue, though she put a hold on the provision in the measure that would require a permit to purchase a firearm. According to court documents, Judge Raschio placed a temporary restraining order on the measure until December 13, when the courts will decide whether a further injunction is necessary.

As the basis for his ruling, Judge Raschio ruled that the measure does not enable Oregonians to exercise their Second Amendment rights to purchase a firearm or bear a magazine capable of holding ten or more rounds.

constitutional rights for any period constitutes irreparable harm,” The judge ruled.

a 50.7% majority.

The measure would require a permitting process to purchase a weapon; ban the sale, manufacturing, and transfer of magazines holding more than ten rounds; and background checks that must be completed before a gun may be sold or

would require safety training and a demonstration in the presence of a police chief or sheriff.

OSP Statement

Oregon State Police released the following details late Wednesday,

“An injunction has delayed the implementation of Ballot Measure 114. With that new information, we wanted to give you an update on what it means here at the Oregon State Police.

The OSP’s Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) unit will continue to work to process and resolve the pended/delayed FICS transactions. This delay of implementation will allow firearm sales to continue being processed under the current law.

OSP continues to work with our partners to set up the Oregon Permit to Purchase program with our partners at the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) and the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). OSSA and OACP are still working through the training requirement portion of the application process.

At this time, Permit Agents are not able to accept or start processing Permit to Purchase applications. On December 8, 2022, OSP will be launching a “Permit to Purchase” webpage with preliminary information such as the Permit to Purchase Application, a description of the steps for acquiring a permit, as well as other information including answers to questions that we are anticipating.”

Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday

ODOT to partially reopen Highway 30 at massive landslide

reopen Highway 30 between Astoria and Clatskanie at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11 to one lane during daylight hours.

single flagged lane from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly since Sunday, Dec. 4.

Starmites take the stage at CMHS

LAUREY WHITE

The kids are having a blast. My heart is happy.

The production is Starmites, written by Barry Keating and Stuart Ross.

The Guide to Musical Theatre states that Starmites ran for 60 performances when it was on Broadway in 1989. It was nominated for several Tony awards. The guide describes the plot as revolving around a very shy teenager who creates a fantasy world

space. said she is thrilled to be able to perform again.

“I have never had a lead role before so I am super excited about it,” she said. “I haven’t had the chance to

that

Background Measure 114, which seeks to make sweeping gun control regula-

crosses an area where landslides have

Courtesy photo from ODOT

The massive landslide occurred Nov. 29 and sent at least 1,800 cubic yards of mostly rock onto the highway.

Metro Creative Connection

After a two-year absence, the Clatskanie Middle High School (CMHS) Performing Arts Department is once again putting on a theatre production.

involving science fiction characters in her comic book collection. She escapes into her fantasy world where the Starmites are the guardian angels of inner

“It’s really fun to be in a play again and be able to dress up and act for everyone in person,” Horn said.

CMHS music and drama instructor Jamie Erwin said she is “thrilled to be doing live theatre again.”

Erwin said. “They

have been working

only live theatre can do. My heart is happy.”

Performances for the school play

Chief Guest Article

~ Jamie Erwin, CMHS instructor

Courtesy from Jamie Erwin

CMHS students raise their arms during a rehearsal of the play.

Surge in respiratory viruses triggers executive order

severely ill from RSV and other respiratory infections.

Reaction

Relief at the gasoline pumps

Drivers are getting an early holiday gift as pump prices continue to plummet.

nurses and doctors, and take other steps to provide care to patients, according to a release from Brown’s office.

$25M to address nursing shortage

In addition to the Governor’s executive order, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is pursuing supplemental nurse staffing contracts of up to $25 million to help address critical workforce shortages.

On Nov. 14, Gov. Brown granted hospitals flexibility to address the rise in pediatric hospitalizations related to respiratory viruses, including RSV. The Governor’s new executive order, issued today, will expand that flexibility to help health care workers and hospitals address the rise in adult and pediatric hospitalizations, and related critical strain on hospital capacity.

Since Brown issued her first executive order in November, pediatric hospitalizations for RSV have continued to climb. Influenza hospitalizations have risen rapidly and are expected to continue to increase in the coming weeks, with a disproportionate impact on young children, elderly adults, pregnant people, and people of color and tribal communities. COVID-19 hospitalizations have risen steeply as well.

“Our health care workers–our nurses, doctors, and hospital staff–are being pushed to their limits by this year’s combination of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 hospitalizations,” Brown said. “As they do everything they can to keep Oregonians healthy and safe, we must all do our

part to help them. Our health care workers are working around the clock to protect the people most vulnerable to severe respiratory illnesses––including our young children and seniors.

“I am asking Oregonians to come together to help our health care heroes this holiday season. Stay home if you are sick, stay up to date on your vaccinations, and consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor situations–especially if you are at higher risk for severe illness from RSV, the flu, or COVID-19.”

State health experts at the OHA encourage all individuals, particularly those at increased risk of severe disease (and their caregivers), to take steps to prevent RSV and other respiratory infections this flu season.

• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. (There is not currently a vaccine for RSV.)

• Stay home and avoid holiday gatherings and events when sick, and keep your child home when your child is sick, if possible.

• Cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, and regularly wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.

• Consider wearing a mask indoors, especially during crowded indoor gatherings and events, particularly if you or a friend or family member are at risk for getting

“We welcome Governor Brown’s executive order, which will give hospitals the staffing flexibility and labor resources they need to address a crippling surge of patients with respiratory illness. But the reality is Oregon hospitals need the ability to adjust their staffing all of the time, not just during a surge that has intensified our capacity crisis,” Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems Vice President of Communications Lisa Goodman said. We have critically ill children in adult units and boarding in Emergency Departments who should be in pediatric intensive care units in Portland, but there are few available beds. We’ve been saying it for more than two years: our system is failing. The unfortunate position we find ourselves in today could have been prevented, and it wasn’t.”

What is RSV?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, coughing and sneezing. Most infections go away on their own in a week or two.

If you have questions about your child’s care, call your health care provider or visit an urgent care center. At this time, hospital emergency departments are strained. Parents and guardians should only visit the hospital if your child shows signs of severe illness.

Parents and guardians should immediately seek health care if their child is experiencing more severe symptoms of RSV, such as trouble breathing, dehydration, gray or blue color to the tongue, lips or skin, or significantly decreased activity and alertness.

More information about how to protect yourself and loved ones from RSV, the flu, and COVID-19 are available on OHA’s website. Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

They’re lower in all 50 states again this week, driven by lower crude oil prices, steady demand for gas and growing gasoline stocks, according to the American Automobile Association’s (AAA) weekly price survey. Prices in Columbia County this week range from $3.58 to $4.20 for a gallon of regular unleaded after several weeks being close to $6 a gallon.

For the week, the Oregon average slides 26 cents to $4.16. Oregon has the second-largest weekly drop and sixth-largest monthly drop for a state in the nation. The national average for regular tumbles 14 cents to $3.38 a gallon.

Christmas at the Castle

17

The public is invited to visit and tour the 1900era Victorian mansion, a National Historic Preservation Site, which includes the local history museum. The Castle is beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Santa Claus will be in attendance from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on both open house days to hear Christmas wishes. Parents are urged to bring their cameras.

There is no charge for admission for the Dec. 1718 open houses, but donations are appreciated.

The Castle is located at 620 SW Tichenor Street in Clatskanie. Additional parking is available in back of the Castle off of SW Bryant Street.

Driving force

OPEC+, a group of 23 oil-producing nations, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, have decided to maintain its output cuts of 2 million barrels per day, about 2% of world oil demand. The purpose of the move is to boost the global price of oil, which has fallen recently on fears of demand weakness, specifically in China where stringent COVID-19 lockdowns have led to reduced oil consumption in that nation, according to the AAA.

Despite the decision from OPEC+, crude oil prices are at their lowest prices since December 2021, below $80 per barrel, and that’s helping to push pump prices lower.

“Gas prices are dropping sharply. The national average is poised to drop below $3 a gallon and the Oregon average below $4 a gallon by the end of the year,” AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Directopr Marie Dodds said. “But with oil being the main ingredient in gasoline, the move by OPEC+ had the potential to slow this decline, but it hasn’t happened yet.”

Crude reached a recent high of $122.11 per barrel on June 8, and ranged from about $94 to $110 per barrel in July. In August, crude prices ranged between about $86 and $97. In September, crude prices ranged between about $76 and $88 per barrel. In October, crude ranged between $82 and $92 per barrel. In November, crude ranged between $76 and $92 per barrel. The all-time high for WTI crude oil is $147.27 in July 2008.

Crude history

Crude prices rose dramatically leading up to and in the first few months of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia is one of

the world’s top oil producers and its involvement in a war causes market volatility, and sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and other western nations resulted in tighter global oil supplies. Oil supplies were already tight around the world as demand for oil increased as pandemic restrictions eased. A year ago, crude was around $69 per barrel compared to $75 today.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in gasoline and diesel, so pump prices are impacted by crude prices on the global markets. On average, about 56% of what we pay for in a gallon of gasoline is for the price of crude oil, 20% is refining, 11% distribution and marketing, and 14% are taxes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Demand for gasoline in the U.S. held steady at 8.3 million b/d for the week ending November 25. This compares to 8.8 million b/d at this time last year. Total domestic gasoline stocks rose by nearly 2.8 million bbl to 213.8 million bbl. Increasing supply and steady gasoline demand should continue to push pump prices lower barring any supply glitches.

By the numbers

Pump prices are lower this week in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. California (-28 cents) has the largest weekly drop, followed by Oregon (-26 cents), Delaware (-23 cents), Nevada (-22 cents), Washington (-22 cents), Alaska (-22 cents), Indiana (-21 cents), Arizona (-21 cents), Michigan (-20 cents) and Montana (-19 cents).

Hawaii (-1 cent) has the smallest weekly decline.

Hawaii ($5.18) is the state with the most expensive gas in the nation for the second week in a row and is the only state with an average at or above $5 a gallon. California ($4.72) is second and Nevada ($4.44) is third. This week six states, including Oregon, have averages at or above $4, 34 states and the District of Columbia have averages in the $3-range, and 10 states have averages below $3 a gallon.

The cheapest gas in the nation is in Texas ($2.78) and Oklahoma ($2.86). For the 100th week in a row, no state has an average below $2 a gallon.

The difference between the most expensive and least expensive states is $2.40 which continues to be stark.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have lower prices now than a month ago. The national average is 42 cents less and the Oregon average is 68 cents less than a month ago. Oregon has the sixth-largest monthly decrease in the nation. Wisconsin (-86 cents) has the largest monthly decline. Hawaii (-2 cents) has the smallest.

Oregon is one of 32 states and the District of Columbia with higher prices now than a year ago. The national average is two cents more and the Oregon average is 38 cents more than a year ago. This is the fifth-largest year-overyear increase in the nation. Hawaii (+85 cents), Nevada (+52 cents), Washington (+40 cents), and Alaska (+39 cents) have the largest yearly gains. Colorado (-30 cents) has the biggest yearover-year decline.

West Coast

The West Coast region continues to have the most expensive pump prices in the nation with all seven states in the top 10. This is typical for the West Coast as this region tends to consistently have fairly tight supplies, consuming about as much gasoline as is produced. In addition, this region is located relatively far from parts of the country where oil drilling, production and refining occurs, so transportation costs are higher. And environmental programs in this region add to the cost of production, storage and distribution.

Refinery issues in California in September and October exacerbated the situation, creating extremely tight supplies and causing pump prices in this region to skyrocket.

Hawaii is the most expensive state in the nation, with California, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska rounding out the top six. Arizona is ninth. Oregon is fifth most expensive for the fourth week in a row.

All of the states in the West Coast region are seeing weekly drops. California (-28 cents) has the largest in the region and the country. Hawaii (-1 cent) has the smallest in the region and country.

Council approves RV ordinance

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The Clatskanie City Council has approved a new ordinance to deal with transient and abandoned recreational vehicles (RVs).

The council made its decision Wednesday night, Dec. 7 following months of review and public comment sessions.

“There were no issues

LANDSLIDE

the landslide. The hazardous rock scaling work must be done during daylight and coordinated with cleanup at the highway surface to keep crews safe, ODOT stated in an earlier release.

As a reminder, ODOT said please do not use your GPS

and at this second reading the only comments from the public had to do with definition and one about showing compassion for the homeless,” Hinkelman told The Chief following the council meeting.

In a published interview with The Chief last August, Hinkelman said he has been reviewing consistent complaints about transient and abandoned RVs.

“The transient RVs park

to detour on less developed roads. This can be dangerous for you, especially in winter weather conditions.

Before you travel, visit TripCheck.com

The best way to get timely updates on U.S. Highway 30 – and all Oregon highways –is on Tripcheck.com. ODOT posts road and weather conditions, highway closures, crash

at different places all over town,” Hinkelman said. “They move around so that are not technically violating city law, but they are parking and not hooking up to required services. There is also the issue of abandoned RVs.”

Hinkelman said the city wanted to take a proactive approach in addressing the citizens’ concerns.

“So, we are looking at this as a public safety issue,” he said.

locations, traffic speeds and more as quickly as possible there. You can also see traffic camera views.

“Slowdown in wintry weather and leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles,” ODOT states. “Remember, it takes longer to stop in wet and/or freezing conditions. Also bring traction devices if you cross snow zones and know how to use them.”

North Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Metro Creative Connection

The executive order gives Oregon hospitals additional flexibility to meet current needs.

Gas prices are dropping sharply.

~ Marie Dodds, Oregon/Idaho AAA

Courtesy photo from Ben Margot

Drivers in Columbia County were paying from $3.58 to $4.20 a gallon of unleaded regular gas as of Dec. 8.

Christmas at the Castle open houses are set for Saturday and Sunday, Dec.

and 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the newly-restored Flippin Castle, home to the Clatskanie Senior Citizens and the Clatskanie Historical Society.

Courtesy from Deborah Hazen

SUBMITTED BY DEBORAH HAZEN

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) confirmed the state’s first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a noncommercial flock in Columbia County.

The affected flock included approximately 20 chickens.

ODA personnel, in partnership with the USDA humanely euthanized the birds on the property to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flock will not enter the food system. There is no immediate public health

STEVE LUNDEBERG Chief Guest Article

Oregon State University (OSU) scientists have produced a proof of concept for a new and better way of caring for women facing the life-threatening situation of ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the lining of the uterus.

Olena Taratula of the OSU College of Pharmacy and Leslie Myatt of Oregon Health & Science University led a team of researchers that used pregnant mice to develop a novel nanomedicine technique for diagnosing and ending ectopic pregnancies, which are non-viable and the leading cause of maternal death in the first trimester.

The study is important because 2% of all pregnancies in the United States, and between 1% and 2% worldwide, are ectopic, the authors note. In the U.S. alone that translates to approximately 100,000 ectopic pregnancies annually.

About 98% of ectopic implantations happen in the fallopian tubes, putting women at risk of hemorrhage and death. Complicating matters are a high misdiagnosis frequency – ultrasound yields an incorrect diagnosis 40% of the time – combined

with a 10% failure rate of the primary drug, methotrexate, used to end an ectopic pregnancy.

Roughly 70 women in the U.S. die each year from ectopic pregnancies, which are responsible for 10% of all pregnancy-related deaths. Women who survive often struggle with a range of issues resulting from diagnosis and treatment, Taratula said.

“Current strategies include attempted diagnosis

concern due to the avian influenza virus detection.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the public health risk associated with these avian influenza detections in birds remains low. As a reminder, the proper handling and cooking of all poultry and eggs to an

internal temperature of 165 ˚F is recommended as a general food safety precaution.

ODA advises commercial poultry farms and backyard flock owners to be vigilant with biosecurity measures and surveillance. Reducing or eliminating contact between wild birds and domestic flocks is the best

way to protect domestic birds from this disease.

Death or illness among domestic birds should be reported to ODA. Please report by calling 503-9864711 (ALT phone 1-800-3477028.)

Please contact the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) for wild

birds. Do not collect or handle the birds but report the incident directly to ODFW at 1-866-968-2600 or Wildlife. Health@odfw.oregon.gov.

For more tips to protect your backyard flock, visit ODA online at Avian Influenza or en Espańol at the Avian Influenza – Spanish.

collaboration that developed a new type of light-sensitive nanoparticle. Nanoparticles are tiny pieces of matter, as small as one-billionth of a meter.

Administered intravenously, the new nanoparticles accumulate in the placenta, which nourishes and maintains the fetus through the umbilical cord. In a healthy pregnancy, the placenta forms inside the uterus, and in an ectopic pregnancy, it does not.

“Effective detection of the growing placenta would drastically improve the accurate and timely identification of ectopic pregnancy,” Olena Taratula said.

with transvaginal ultrasound, treatment with methotrexate, and surgery if necessary,” she said. “The strategies are associated with the risk of tubal rupture, reduced fertility and increased risk of another ectopic pregnancy – a woman who has had one ectopic pregnancy is 10% more likely to have a second one.”

And even when methotrexate – a drug that ends ectopic pregnancy by causing

embryonic cells to stop dividing – is effective, it comes with a range of potential side effects, Taratula said: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated liver enzymes, kidney damage and lung disease.

To meet the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating ectopic pregnancies, Olena Taratula and Oleh Taratula of the OSU College of Pharmacy, as well as Myatt and Maureen Baldwin of OHSU, spearheaded a

Once the nanoparticles are concentrated in the placenta, the organ can be seen through fluorescent and photoacoustic imaging, and it quickly becomes clear whether the placenta is where it’s supposed to be. If it is, the patient would know she did not have an ectopic pregnancy, and the embryo is unaffected by the particles as they do not cross the placental barrier.

If the placenta is in a fallopian tube or other incorrect location, the pregnancy could be ended by exposure to near-infrared light, which causes the nanoparticles to rise in temperature above 43 degrees Celsius and ir-

reparably disrupt placental function via heat.

“Our main goal in this study was to evaluate our nanoparticle’s ability to identify and visualize the developing placenta and demonstrate its photothermal capabilities,” Taratula said. “Our experimental results are promising, and the next step is to validate it in other animal models to further advance the application of this technology.”

Abraham Moses, Leena Kadam, Anna St. Lorenz, Terry Morgan, Jessica Hebert, Youngrong Park, Hyelim Lee, Ananiya Demessie, Tetiana Korzun, Babak Mamnoon and Adam Alani of Oregon State also took part in the research, which was supported by the College of Pharmacy, the OHSU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the National Institutes of Health and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The research findings are published in the journal Small.

Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve. lundeberg@oregonstate.edu

North Columbia County’s trusted local

From OSU

HPAI (H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that transmits easily among wild and domestic bird species.

Understanding the impact of sleep on diabetes

KAM ATWAL Chief Guest Column

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects more than 30 million Americans and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Most of us know how important weight control, exercise, and nutrition are in controlling blood sugars. What impact does sleep have?

Body maintenance

Sleep is extremely important in maintaining our body’s performance, not only physically and mentally, but also down to the body’s chemical balances. Diabetes, whether type 1 or 2, comes down to an imbalance of the insulin and blood sugar relationship.

The right amount of sleep is needed to keep the endocrine system working well so insulin and blood sugar stays balanced. Studies have shown that too little sleep (less than 6 hours) or too much sleep (greater than 9 hours) can increase the risk for developing diabetes and make pre-existing diabetes more difficult to control.

Some research suggests a 40% increase in the risk of developing diabetes if sleeping less than four hours

per night. The human body is very complicated, and it needs just the right amount of sleep to work properly. The recommendation of about 7-8 hours a night comes from years of research to evaluate the amount sleep needed for our bodies to function at their best.

Even if your body is getting the right amount of sleep, the sleep needs to be quality sleep. Quality sleep is needed to make sure your body is truly rested with good oxygen levels, few awakenings, and can achieve deep sleep. If the sleep quality is poor, blood sugars will rise and the insulin produced will be less effective, leading to prediabetic conditions or making diabetes difficult to control.

Common sleep disorders

The most common sleep disorders affecting diabetes are Sleep Apnea and Restless Leg Syndrome. Sleep apnea is when the back of your throat keeps collapsing during sleep and oxygen levels fall, leading to disturbed sleep and lack of deep sleep. Restless Leg Syndrome is a when the legs are moving around a lot during sleep because of pain or tingling and numbness leading to disturbed sleep and lack of deep sleep.

Both these conditions

cause a rise in blood sugars, increased insulin resistance, increase in stress hormones such as cortisol and the hunger hormone, ghrelin, all which contribute to diabetes.

Treatment of these sleep disorders will help balance these hormones and help manage and decrease the risk of diabetes.

Not only does poor sleep affect your blood sugars at night, but in the daytime your energy levels will be low leading to poor blood sugar metabolism, lack of exercise, and weight gain over time. In short, poor sleep will affect night and daytime blood sugars and insulin effectiveness.

Complex relationship

The relationship between sleep and diabetes is complex. Not only do you need good quantity and quality of sleep for better diabetes control and decrease risk of diabetes, but if you have poorly controlled diabetes it will affect your sleep. This stresses the fact that the approach to diabetic management is a multi-approach program including good sleep, nutrition, exercise, weight loss, and medication as directed by your physician. Making your sleep health a priority will not only help you cut down your diabetes

risk or better manage your diabetes, it will help with your overall well-being, including managing other chronic health conditions.

Steps to healthy sleep include:

• Have a regular sleep and wake time

• Bedtime routine: wind down, read, no TV, keep bedroom dark, cool, quiet

• Avoid eating 2-3 hours

before bed

• Avoid nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine close to bedtime

• In the daytime avoid napping less than 45 minutes, stay active, and exercise

Think of healthy sleep as priority in your health management as it can help you avoid unnecessary medications and health complications. Healthy sleep equals a healthy body.

If you have wellness

questions, email them to info@tillamookcountywellness.org.

For more local health and wellness information, visit www.tillamookcountywellness.org or follow Tillamook County Wellness on Facebook and Instagram.

Kam Atwal is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Pulmonary / Critical Care / Sleep Medicine at Adventist Health Tillamook.

Now until December 14 City of Rainier Holiday Home Decorating Contest

The winner in each category will receive a gift. Deadline to enter is December 14, 2022. Entrants must reside in the Rainier City limits. Judging will take place the evenings of December 16 and 17 with prizes and notification to be announced Christmas week. To enter, fill out form and drop it off at City Hall or email it to info@cityofrainier.

December 10 St. Helens

Band Patrons Lions Holiday Bazaar

The bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Helens High School Commons.

December 10 Story Time at Santa and Mrs. Claus 4:30 p.m. Story Time at the Rainier City Library. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be reading The Night Before Christmas.

December 17 Spirit of Christmas in Scappoose

The Christmas Market will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Scappoose annex gym. Santa and the Grinch will attend throughout the day.

December 17 and 18

Holiday Bazaar for Columbia River Fire and Rescue Scholarship Fund

The Columbia River Fire & Rescue Volunteer Association Holiday Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 58892 Saulser Road. in St. Helens. Door prizes on Saturday and a visit from the Grinch from noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Ongoing Events

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.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council Meets at 7 p.m. every other second Tuesday. Meetings are currently held electronically by Zoom. For more information, contact Council Coordinator Allan Whiting at E-mail: allan@whitingenv. com, or call 503-789-9240. Visit the council’s website

for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

The Rainier Oregon Historical Museum (ROHM) is open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday (except major holidays weekends). ROHM is located inside Rainier City Hall at 106 W B Street. For more information, call 360751-7039.

The Rainier Public Library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/ Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.

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

Metro Creative Connection

Sleep is extremely important in maintaining our body’s performance, not only physically and mentally, but also down to the body’s chemical balances.

CHIEF FINANCIAL

OFFICER

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District (C911CD) is conducting a hiring process for a Chief Financial Officer. Apply online at www.columbia911. com/careers. Additional information can be found on our website or by calling 503- 3666978.

Pool Manager

Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Respon-

sibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling adequate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District. Maintain pool and employee records. Perform such other duties

as assigned by the District Manager and/or Board of Directors from time to time. Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquatic programming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work

with pool related chemicals and be familiar with State and Federal regulations regarding outdoor pool operations. Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; FirstAid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water

Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) certifications. You can request an application by phone at 503- 728-2757, by email at csp@ cni.net or on our website www. clatskanieparksandrecreation.com. Applications and resumes can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni.net. If you have any questions, please leave

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Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JENNIFER L ELWOOD as Grantor to CLEAR RECON CORP. as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for GUILD MORTGAGE COMPANY LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of July 3, 2021 and recorded on July 9, 2021 as Instrument No. 2021-08107 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 17950 LOT 5, BLOCK 36, MOECKS ADDITION TO THE CITY OF RAINIER, IN THE CITY OF RAINIER, COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

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AND STATE OF OREGON.

Commonly known as: 422 W C ST, RAINIER, OR 97048 Both the Beneficiary, Data Mortgage, Inc., 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 86.735(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): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2022 to 11/01/2022 at $22,233.40 Monthly Late Charge(s): 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 $350,858.38 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.87500% per annum from January 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 21, 2023 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

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of CARL LEUZINGER, Deceased. No. 2PB10406

NOTICE TO INTERESTED

PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against

the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative at P. O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published December 9, 2022. Debra Jean Curtis, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

message at 503728-2757. Applications with resumes will be accepted through January 31, 2023.

PippinDoc Clatskanie’s Hometown Veterinarian, will host its next Dog & Cat Vaccination Clinic on Wednesday, December 14, from 9:00 to 11:30 am and 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Johnson Feed Store. 905 NE Van St, In Clatskanie. See www.pippindoc.com for more details.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coord. Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 1/11/2023 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov 706

Estate Sales

Estate Sale Friday 9th-11th Time 10am-4pm. 533 E 4th Rainier OR. Amo & reloading, tools, washer & dryer, refrigerator, collectables, quality kitchen items, furniture, costume jewelry, duck decoy & Chrysler van.

CLATSKANIE Mini Storage

Hoarder’s Paradise! 20 sizes, Inexpensive RV Storage, Carports, Hand trucks, Locks, Fully-lined, Insulated, Condensation free, all units lit. On-site Manager 503 728-2051 503 369-6503

Visa/MC/Amex

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

CH22-1705

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: 11/10/2022

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 87215, Pub Dates: 12/2/2022, 12/9/2022, 12/16/2022, 12/23/2022, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

NOTICE OF BOARD METING

Flag presentation made in St. Helens

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Former State Sen. Betsy Johnson has donated a United States flag to Columbia County.

“This is a giant flag, so it was important to me to find a size-appropriate flagpole where it can be properly flown and honored,” Johnson said during the presentation Wednesday, Dec. 7, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, at the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.

The flag measures 15 feet by 25 feet.

Johnson presented the flag to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners during a public, outdoor ceremony. The ceremony concluded with the unfurling and hoisting of the flag to the top of the flagpole, which stands behind the Courthouse Annex Building.

A multiorganizational group of volunteers raised the flag during the ceremony. Personnel from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Saint Helens Police Department, Columbia River

Fire and Rescue, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, and Columbia County’s Emergency Management Department were present.

“We are overwhelmed by Betsy’s generosity,” Columbia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller said. “We accept this flag as a symbol of Betsy’s commitment to the people of Columbia County and all of Oregon. It will warm a special place in our hearts each time we see it.”

The flag was raised to half-staff in accordance with Gov. Kate Brown’s order for all flags at public intuitions be lowered for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Dec. 7.

Johnson was born in Bend, raised in Redmond, and served in the Oregon House and Senate for over 20 years. She most recently mounted a campaign for Oregon Governor as an Independent candidate against Republican Christine Drazan and Democrat Tina Kotek.

Johnson said the flag was the backdrop at her election night watch party last month.

Kelli Nicholson / The Chief

The flag presentation was conducted on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in St. Helens.

Kelli Nicholson / The Chief

The flag flying proud and true.

Holiday shopping season brings cheer, also fraud warning

The holiday season can be joyous, but can also be a time for fraud.

Umpqua Bank makes the following consumer protection recommendations to help you avoid financial losses.

Tips on how to avoid popular scams

As the holiday season swings into full gear, shoppers need to maintain their vigilance in guarding against fraud. While consumers navigate the tighter budgets this year due to higher inflation, fraudsters are likely doing the same, and will be extra desperate – and motivated – to take advantage of the seasonal rush.

Holiday fraud is a big business, and criminals stand to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in illicit gains during the shopping season. Combined retail sales for November and December could top $960 billion, according to a forecast by the National Retail Federation (NRF), an industry trade group. Fraudsters will be tapping into this volume.

Just for card payments alone, fraud rates in recent years have hovered around 7 cents per $100 of volume worldwide, according to the Nilson Report. By that measure, for every $100 billion in card volume during the holidays, thieves will siphon off $70 million.

The gap between self-perception and reality

Consumer gullibility turbocharges the payday for fraudsters. Nearly half (48%) of consumers globally are confident they can recognize a scam, according to a 2022 fraud report by Visa Inc. Yet almost three in four (73%) typically respond to terms or phrases scammers commonly use in emails and text mes sages, such as “Win online gift card” and “Act now.”

general population is still high: 63% incorrectly believe or are unsure that online retailers such as Amazon and eBay will request login information to provide customer support, according to a November report by AARP. And 53% incorrectly believe or are unsure that payment apps such as Cash App, Zelle, or Venmo have the same consumer protections as credit cards. About 4 in 10 said they believe (incorrectly) that ads for merchandise on social media online are trustworthy.

“Fraudsters are always working to outsmart consumers, but during the holidays, their fervor is especially acute,” Umpqua Bank Executive Vice President and Head of Global Payments and Deposits Kathryn Albright said. “Criminals exploit this time of year to prey on busy individuals who are pressed for time, luring them into traps and robbing them of their hard-earned money. But taking some simple precautions will help thwart these schemes.”

Individuals need to be especially aware of common holiday tricks used by thieves, such as:

Gift card payment scams. Gift cards are a preferred method of choice for criminals, who convince consumers to pay a bogus financial obligation by purchasing gift cards and handing over the numbers to the fraudsters. Criminals also scam retailers by returning stolen merchandise to stores and receiving gift cards since they don’t have a receipt. They then sell those cards online at a discount. For the 12 months ended June 30, 74% of retailers reported this practice, according to the NRF.

Charity scams. Fake charities use the holidays to lure victims to donate to bogus enterprises. They mimic real

telling a story about people in need.

Non-delivery and nonpayment crimes. In nondelivery scams, buyers pay for goods and services online, but never receive the items. For non-payment scams, it’s the merchants who are the victims, with goods and items shipped but are never paid. Losses for these two types of fraud amounted to $337 million in 2021, according to the Internet Crime and Complaint Center (IC3), a division of the FBI.

Tips to reduce the risk of fraud

Review your account activity regularly. Everyone should review personal financial accounts often for activity to make sure there aren’t any suspicious transactions. Consumers also should carry fewer cards in their wallets when they shop and store the others in a safe place at home.

Don’t click on email links. Fraudsters are getting better at impersonating retailers. But even when it seems real, it’s better just to go to the website via a browser. Bad links take consumers to fake portals, which typically ask for credit card information.

Don’t give out sensitive information. When you receive a call, email, or text from someone claiming to represent your bank, or another company, do not give them your user ID or password. No legitimate company will ever ask you for this information.

Watch for key fraud terms. Consumers fall for a variety of phrases, according to a report by Visa, including “Win online gift card,” “Exclusive deal,” “Act now,” “Click here,” “Limited time offer,” “Urgent,” “Action needed,” and “Free/ giveaway.” Be on the lookout

Stay on top of deliveries.

consumers reported having a package stolen outside their door, according to a November fraud report by AARP. Consumers should track various items for delivery. When consumers won’t be at home, they should call the retailer or delivery service and try to delay the shipment or arrange to have it sent to an office or designated receiving location, such as Amazon Hub Locker.

Avoid clicking on ads. Malvertising is malicious advertising that often takes the form of pop-up ads. Similar to erroneous email links, these ads can lead you to sites that ask for personal information and credit card numbers. They can also infect your device with malware and make the season anything but merry.

Don’t shop on public Wi-Fi networks. If you’re shopping online, do it at home using your own private, secure network. Cybercriminals can easily tap into public Wi-Fi, so you don’t want to input passwords and visit your bank

account when browsing on these networks.

Use fraud alerts. Fraud alerts can be very helpful to consumers in staying on top of any suspicious activity regarding their accounts. Alerts can be tailored to transaction size, and are delivered via phone (voice), text, and email. Update any new contact information to keep accounts secure.

Use cards rather than payment apps. Cards offer more protections. Those using major brands offer $0 liability for unauthorized charges. Peerto-peer apps such as Venmo, Zelle, and CashApp process payments immediately, just like cash. These transactions cannot be reversed.

Use caution when buying gift cards. Don’t buy gift cards outside of retailers and established companies. Look to make sure the protective stickers on the card are not tampered with. Also check to see that the PIN number on the back isn’t showing. Keep your receipt, which will help identify

the card in case it is stolen.

“The holidays can be a stressful time of year, but don’t let the pressures get in the way of common-sense shopping,” Albright said. “Taking the time to safeguard your shopping and payment information online and in person will go a long way toward preventing anguish, and real losses to your household budget.”

What do if you have been compromised

Take action immediately. Call the merchant and credit card bank to report the issue. For gift card scams, reporting to the retailer might help recoup the loss if the card hasn’t been used.

Notify regulators and law enforcement. IC3 tracks internet crimes, and the Federal Trade Commission monitors gift card scams. It also helps your community to report an incident to the state attorney general and local law enforcement.

STARMITES

From

Courtesy from Jamie Erwin

The students work to define one of the scenes from the play.