On the rise New maintenance building at Clatskanie Fire
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
Despite surging numbers in Columbia County, and across the state, Gov. Kate Brown said “hope is on the way,” as the state is expecting its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines this month.
Vaccines on the way MONIQUE MERRILL
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MAX KIRKENDALL
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Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Workers are assembling a new maintenance building adjacent to the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District headquarters at 280 SE Third st. in Clatskanie. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed a planned improvement at the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD). Work to build a 2,880-squarefoot, 22-foot-high maintenance shop adjacent to CRFPD headquarters on Third Street in Clatskanie is underway. Crews have erected the steel framing and Chief Steve Sharek said they hope to get the roof on the building by Christmas. Weather challenges “We are working with the weather windows and hope to have the building completed by January or February,” Sharek said. “We will frame in an officer area to keep maintenance records and a parts storage location. We like to keep an inventory of parts for less down time. We want to make sure we have a part if we need it.” Currently, the district is using a back bay in the third Street fire station for equipment repair and maintenance and that area lacks the needed space for the work. Sharek said the estimated $167,000 cost for the new building has been budgeted by the fire district board.
“We will do some of the construction ourselves to help save money,” he said. “We are making sure we are conservative in our expenses. There is a real need for this maintenance building and we are glad to be able to get this done.”
“There are many rules you have to follow in this project, but we tried to have as many local contracts. Because of the rues it makes it more difficult for local contract to have the capacity to go through the system and the process to work on such projects.”
Joint services
District history
According to Sharek, the district offers maintenance and repair for adjoining fire districts in the region and the new building will make such operations much more convenient and efficient. “So this new building will not only serve our district, it will also serve Kappa, Pudget Island, Georgia Pacific and surrounding regional stations,” he said. “We also conduct testing and annual inspections of fire vehicles, so we are doing that as well and they are paying us for that maintenance, repair and certification work.” CRFPD’s Rick Fletcher is the maintenance supervisor. While the district attempted to employ local contractors of the building project, Sharek said the district was challenged by government regulations for such a project. “We had to follow all of Oregon’s construction laws,” he said.
The district provides fire, rescue and emergency medical services to Clatskanie and over 135 square miles of rural area. The district’s boundary extends outside the city north to the Columbia River, south over Clatskanie Mountain to a shared boundary with Mist, east to the Alston area to a shared boundary with Rainier, and west past the Woodson area to the Clatsop county line. Its emergency medical services extend into Clatsop County to Bradley Summit. The district also operates two substations where apparatus has been strategically housing fire and medical apparatus to provide effective coverage. The Clatskanie Volunteer Fire Department was organized around 1900 and has evolved into the CRFPD today. For more information about the CRFPD, or to become a volunteer firefighter, call 503-728-2025.
Columbia County set a new COVID-19 record Saturday, Dec. 5, with 25 new cases and two deaths reported. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, another death occurred. As of Wednesday, the county’s total case count was 614 with a death toll of six. Across the state, the total case count is 88,287 and a death toll of 1,110. Despite surging numbers in Columbia County, and across the state, Gov. Kate Brown said “hope is on the way,” as the state is expecting its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines this month. Oregon’s statewide, two-week freeze ended last week for most of the state, and the new ‘Risk and Safety’ framework was launched. The framework showed the majority of the state has moved into the extreme risk level, which means the virus is still widespread across 25 counties who remain under tight restrictions, including Columbia County. “We are not out of this crisis yet. I know it’s hard to imagine, but in fact, our hardest days still lie ahead,” Brown said during a press conference Friday, Dec. 4. “Oregon hospitals are filling up and many are reducing elective surgeries.” From Nov. 25 to Dec. 3, there were three new COVID-19 hospitalizations in Columbia County, according to data from the local public health department. In that same time window there were 89 new cases in the county, and 56 people considered currently infectious (meaning it’s been 10 or less days from the onset of symptoms). Those figures don’t include the record-breaking case count from Saturday; from Friday to Wednes-
day, Dec. 4-9, an additional 69 cases were reported in the county, according to data from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Four of the county’s seven total COVID-19 deaths have been reported just in December. “Every death represents and empty seat at a holiday dinner, a warm hug that’s missed, a winter morning walk that cannot happen … and we mourn every one of them,” OHA Director Pat Allen said. Vaccine rollout
Although the OHA modeling for the coming weeks looks grim, Brown announced that two vaccines are currently awaiting final United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The two vaccines from pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna, are expected to be shipped to Oregon on Dec. 15. Brown said they expect to receive 35,000 doses from Pfizer Dec. 15, followed by over 70,000 doses from Moderna on Dec. 22. A second shipment of the Pfizer vaccine is expected Dec. 22, with 40,950 doses. Oregon anticipates having 127,000 first doses of both vaccines in December and expects an additional 48,750 of Pfizer’s and 31,700 Moderna’s vaccine by Dec. 29 to provide a second dose to patients who received the first dose. These numbers are subject to change. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup will be reviewing and confirming each FDA approval starting next week. “It’s remarkable that scientific strides have enabled us to get a vaccine in just mere months into this historic pandemic,” Brown
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Whale Watching 2020: Changes, but still a chance for viewing
Courtesy photo
Photo courtesy of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
The migrating whales attract many to the Oregon ocean shoreline during the whale migrations. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
From mid-December to midJanuary, a tradition takes place along the Oregon coast that has intrigued and fascinated thousands for years. Nearly 20,000 gray whales make their migration south from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department usually sets up its annual Whale Watching Week, utilizing volunteers at several key viewing points along the Oregon coast to help people spot and learn about the whales. But this season, the usual whale watching event is canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the following conversation, The Chief gains insight about the 2020 whale migration from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Chris Havel. The Chief: What is the background of this event? Chris Havel: Gray whales migrate along the Oregon coast twice a
year. In winter (December–January), they head south from the Gulf of Alaska headed for the Baja peninsula to mate and take advantage of the calving grounds. We can expect 2025,000 to pass by, peaking at about 30 an hour. Headed south, they tend to be 3-5 miles offshore. In spring (March-May, even into June), adults and their young head north to feed in the Gulf of Alaska. They tend to travel a little closer to shore as they head north. We have 200-400 whales that more or less stay off the Oregon coast around year-round. The Chief: What changes have been made to this popular winter activity due to the pandemic and why? Havel: Whale Watch in Oregon usually involves 24 stations along the coast staffed by a big crew of volunteers guided by a few state park staff. We would set up spotting scopes and share binoculars,
The near-shore migration of the whales has spawned a popular whale-watching industry along the Oregon coast that in 2009 was worth an estimated $29 million – a figure likely higher today, according to researchers.
and manage one visitor center in Depoe Bay to help people enjoy our marine friends. To reduce the risk of transmission between visitors and from visitors to staff and volunteers, the whale watch season is DIY this year: no staff, volunteers, shared equipment, or indoor whale watch center. The Chief: Describe locations Where should folks go, safely, and following social distancing requirements, to get a good view of the whale migration? Havel: First, travel only with a group of people who live with you in your household. Travel the shortest distance necessary to reach a good viewing spot (more on that below). If there are other people from outside your household at the viewpoint, wear a mask if you can’t keep 6 feet away from them. Check the weather and road conditions before you leave. Bring
the food/drink, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal cleaning supplies with you so you are as selfcontained as possible. If it’s sunny, the best viewing is before mid-day so you’re not staring into the sun. Wide binoculars or a spotting scope are useful, but you can also just go with your eyeballs. Most people who spot a whale are just looking around without magnification, they spot a plume, and then they use binoculars or a scope to zoom in. Higher is better, so look for parking areas and viewpoints that are elevated, rather than down on the beach. The Chief: What should we look for as the whales swim by? Havel: The first this most people see is the cloud-like puff from a whale’s blow-hole as they surface
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Friday, December 11, 2020
Oregon’s coffee shop economy
Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
A new study illustrates the growth of coffee shops in Oregon. SARAH CUNNINGHAM Chief Guest Article
Fast Fact The National Coffee Association of the USA says 83% of Americans 18 years and older say they drink coffee and 64% drink it daily. Coffee shops throughout Oregon provide customers with their daily coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and other drinks that help wake them up in the morning and keep them awake throughout the day. According to the National Coffee Association of the USA (NCA), which has tracked coffee consumption through annual surveys since 1950, 83% of Americans 18 years and older say they drink coffee and 64% drink it daily. With such a large majority of Americans drinking coffee, it’s no surprise to find several coffee establishments in cities throughout the state, and sometimes multiple shops on the same block. Coffee shops, however, provide customers with more than a latte or mocha. Coffee shops are places where
people typically meet with a business partner or old friend, access public WiFi, listen to an open-mic session, study for an exam, or read a book. Thus coffee establishments provide a gathering place and potential economic benefits greater than the price of a vanilla latte. Growth through 2019, uncertainty ahead Employment and wage data are classified according to the North American Industry Classification System, or NAICS, and coffee shops and stands are classified in the snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars industry. This industry includes other establishments serving items such as donuts, pretzels, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. In 2019, there were 1,575 establishments in this category with an annual average employment of 16,131. About half of these establishments were located in the Portland metro area (i.e., Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties). While 2020 annual employment data is not yet available, the number of establishments dropped to an average 1,465 and employment dropped to 12,300 over of the months of
April, May, and June 2020 as businesses struggled due to COVID-19 related business restrictions. Though snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars is a small industry, comprising less than 1% of total statewide employment, it has seen consistent growth from 2010 through 2019. Growth in both the number of establishments and employment in the industry has outpaced the average rate of growth for all industries. From 2001 to 2019, the industry’s employment more than doubled in Oregon, whereas total employment for all industries increased by 22%. Similarly, the number of establishments increased by 118% compared with 56% for all industries. Growth at snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars has also outpaced the larger food services and drinking places industry. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted industry growth in this sector, with second quarter 2020 employment levels 24% below levels during the same period in 2019 at 12,300. Despite social distancingrelated limitations on where we can drink coffee, our appetite for the drink has not been curbed by the pandemic. According to the National
Coffee Association of the USA, six out of 10 Americans are still drinking coffee daily. Where we are drinking, however, has changed slightly, with 20% fewer Americans drinking coffee away from home. Oregonians not only love drinking coffee, we love roasting it too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon has the second highest number of coffee and tea manufacturing establishments in the nation after California and the second highest location quotient for average annual employment in the sector after Hawaii. Though some coffeehouses roast their own beans, there are several coffee roasters throughout the state from Portland down to Ashland, and east in Sisters, Bend, and Pendleton. The coffee and tea manufacturing industry in the state steadily increased from nine business units employing 440 individuals in 2001 to 82 units employing 1,159 in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of coffee and tea manufacturing establishments dropped slightly to 80 in second quarter 2020. Employment in the sector dropped by 13% compared with second quarter 2019 to 1,002 jobs.
Workers and wages The average annual wage for employees in the snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars industry in 2019 was $19,463, which was significantly lower than the statewide all-industry average of $55,019. It’s probably no surprise that workers in the industry earn lower wages as the pay scale for many jobs, such as baristas, often begins at minimum wage and many employees work part-time schedules. However, workers in the industry, especially younger workers, can obtain other benefits, specifically work experience. Compared with other industries, coffee shops tend to employ a larger share of younger workers. Workforce age data for just the snack and nonalcoholic beverage bars industry is not available, but it is for the larger food services and drinking places sub-sector. In 2019, 14 to 24 year olds comprised approximately 30% of the food services and drinking places workforce compared with 11% for the total workforce. These younger workers in the industry can learn skills and gain valuable work experience that will allow them to be successful in other occupations. For instance,
they can learn how to work in a fast-paced environment, receive payments, provide customer service, and acquire “soft” skills such as showing up to work on time, working in a team, and communicating with customers. Working in the manufacturing side of the coffee industry may provide a much higher wage than working at a coffee shop. The average annual pay in the coffee and tea manufacturing industry in 2019 was $45,205, which is more than twice than the average for coffee shops, but lower than the all-industry average of $55,019. Summary Coffee shops, as well as coffee roasters, are small but have grown steadily through 2019. Despite COVID-19-related losses in 2020, employment in these sectors is likely to bounce back once socialdistancing-related measures are lifted and coffee shops once again offer an atmosphere conducive to meeting with co-workers, business partners, or friends. Sarah Cunningham is an economist with the Oregon Employment Department. She may be reached at 503871-0046.
Holiday partnership to help animal shelter The no-kill, nonprofit Columbia Humane Society shelter helps care for displaced animals and connect them with new owners. It also spays and neuters the animals to help humanely control animal populations. Its mission is reliant on small grants, fundraising events, shelter fees and donations.
volunteers working with the shelter and it was easier to care for more animals, but she said it will be a while before they can welcome the volunteers back. “If our staff gets sick, there’s nobody to care for the animals,” she said. “We don’t get to stop because it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas.” When the shutdowns first hit, some veterinary services like spaying and neutering were limited, she said. It led to an influx of kitten and puppy litters and a delay on when the animals could be adopted. Every pet at the shelter is spayed or neutered before they can be adopted.
How to help Two local pet stores have partnered with the organization to help provide dogs and cats with critical supplies over the holidays. Shoppers at Pet Wants Scappoose will receive 20% off their orders for food supplies that will be donated to the Columbia Humane Society. A promotion code is available online for those orders. Wiggle Butz Pet Bakery has brought back its annual giving tree— a Christmas tree with paper tags listing items the humane society needs. A bin beneath the tree collects the items and gets them to the animals at the shelter. Bakery owner Donna LeBleu said the tradition is a nice addition around the holidays. “They love it, and it’s nice for the dogs at Christmas,” LeBleu said. Additionally, an online dog gift basket shop will donate $10 to the shelter with every purchase from the site. Through Give Puppy Love (givepuppylove.com), donors from anywhere can purchase a dog gift basket for their pet and support the shelter at the same time. The organization has also compiled a list of items it is in need of, including a new van, paper towels, dog and cat toys, cat litter, pooper scoopers and other items. Adoptions Puppies and kittens with large bows under a decorated tree may be a Christmas movie trope, but at the Columbia Humane Society, pets are more than a gift, said Columbia Humane Society Executive Director Lisa Beggio. “It’s a lifelong commitment. It’s not a ‘for now’ commitment,” Beggio said.
Photo courtesy of Lisa Beggio
Dogs Seven and Doug got into the Christmas spirit by taking a photo with Santa Claus one year.
“Both emotionally and financially.” She said it’s important for people considering adding a pet to their family to make sure they can afford to care for the animal. The most common reasons animals are surrendered to the shelter are when people are moving or are expecting a new child, she said. “Our goal is to not get your pets, if we can,” Beggio said. “We try to work with people to keep their pets in their home.” The shelter has some financial resources to provide to assist pet owners, but usually refer owners to larger organizations that have more means to help. The adoption process has also moved online and allowed the shelter and potential new owners more time to make sure the people and animals are good fits for each other. People interested in adopting must fill out an online application and then make an appointment to meet the animals, she said. “Since we’ve changed our adoption process, we haven’t had a dog or cat been returned this year,” she said. “That’s been very nice.” In past years she said the shelter has received more surrender requests in the months following December from owners who find that their new pet isn’t working out for them. In the time leading up to December, she has seen more requests to
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surrender older dogs in favor of getting a new puppy, she said. “It is very sad,” she said. The shelter is selective about the animals they bring in, partially due to trying to work with owners to keep their pets and partially due to limited means during the pandemic. “We’re trying not to bring
in a ton of animals all on our own,” she said. “We want to make sure we have enough resources to give them the care they need.” The number of animals at the shelter has been limited so the shelter staff (three people total, including Beggio) can keep up with them. Before the pandemic, Lisa said there were about 45
Fosters For young kittens, ranging from newborns to three or four weeks old, the shelter works with vetted foster families to care for the kittens until they are old enough to be spayed and neutered and placed into new homes. “A lot of people do one litter and find it hard on their hearts,” she said. “It’s not for everyone.” She encourages the foster
families to try to find homes for the kittens while they are caring for them so they know the animals end up in a good home. It can make saying goodbye to the pets a little easier, she said. To foster kittens, Beggio and the staff require applications and home visits to make sure the house is suitable for the litters’ needs. Young animals need socialization so gentle children and dogfriendly cats can be good exposure for them, but they also need a room where they can be alone, she said. At the shelter, care for the animals focuses on enrichment to make sure the pets are happy, healthy and ready to be placed in new homes, she said. “My favorite part of this job is seeing a dog or cat that comes in completely broken and seeing them come out of their shells and trust people and go to a home where they won’t need or want in their lives,” she said. The Columbia Humane Society is located at 2048 Oregon St., St. Helens. To reach the shelter, call 503397-4393.
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Friday, December 11, 2020
Ready, Set, Crab! Dungeness season opens Dec. 16 STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Fresh Oregon crab is back on the menu – the commercial Dungeness crab fishery will open on most of Oregon’s coast as of Dec. 16. Dungeness crab will be ready to be harvested just in time for the holidays from Cape Falcon south to the California border. Prior to the opener, crab vessels will set gear from Dec. 13 onwards, using the “pre-soak” period of time to set gear in anticipation of the first pull of ocean crab pots on Dec. 16. The recreational crab fishery is already open along the entire Oregon coast. The area north of Cape Falcon will remain closed to commercial crabbing to coordinate an orderly start with the Washington coastal Dungeness crab fishery.
WHALES From Page A1
Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Commercial Dungeness crab is Oregon’s most valuable fishery, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Results from recent domoic acid testing of crab viscera (guts) conducted by the state of Washington were elevated, and Washington delayed their coastal fishery until further testing is conducted. All crab tested from all into high gear. It’s wild and unpredictable and novel and you feel connected somehow to the greater whole. There’s a second, deeper level when we talk about whales. When we’re talking about 30 tons full-grown, you can’t help but lose yourself in awe. The other way to answer that question is, why do people like to see whales in Oregon? Our public ocean shore makes it one of the best places on the planet to pick your front-row seat. You don’t need to get the key to a gate, or buy a ticket on a cruise (those can be fun if you have the means). You need yourself and some patience. Nothing rivals the easeof-access to 363 miles of the Oregon coast.
Oregon’s crab harvest areas have been well below alert levels and all Oregon crab product on the market is safe to eat. The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will continue to regularly test crab and shellfish to ensure levels in all areas remain below alert levels. Commercial Dungeness crab is Oregon’s most valuable fishery. The 2019 season opening was delayed to Dec. 31 and still brought in the second highest ex-vessel value ever, $72.7 million, with just under 20 million pounds landed, about 12 percent above the 10-year average. For more information about Oregon’s shellfish marine biotoxin monitoring, call ODA’s shellfish safety information hotline at 800448-2474, or visit the ODA shellfish closures web page.
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December metal sale and World’s Largest Stocking raffle LAKEN GORTLER Sponsored content
Well, we just kicked off our first-ever metal sale because our metal company loves us. We’re running sales on our Delta Rib and Tough Rib metal paneling and have marked them down to $2.65 a linear foot, (compared to the $3.20 we usually run them at.) Delta Rib is the most commonly used for projects. It’s a light gauge for easy handling and it’s great for open framing support conditions, but it’s also good for solid substrate. Tuff Rib is one of the faster growing segments of home improvement, and it’s a great choice for commercial, industrial, and agricultural projects. The sale runs now, all the way through December. We’ve also got another fun thing going this month we’ve got the “World’s Largest Stocking” drawing, and this thing really is big. If you stop by the store right now, you’ll see it hanging from the ceiling over the middle aisle. It’s full of toys and children’s books, and anytime you make a purchase between now and December 21, you get an entry to put in for the drawing. We’ll announce the winner on December 22.
And don’t forget, we’re still stocked for all of your energy needs this holiday season. We’ve got wood pellets, propane, energy logs - you name it. And we’re still doing deliveries. Our delivery charge is now $20, and we’ll deliver anywhere in Columbia County. As you
get further out, we’ll still deliver, but the charge will go up a bit. After working everything out, it was just time to change things around a little. That’s it for now! We hope everyone is having a safe and Covid-free holiday season.
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Courtesy of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
A whale rises out of the ocean along the Oregon shoreline.
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What’s next? Courtesy of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department has posted this map of the whale watching sites along the Oregon Coast.
and take a deep breath. It kind of looks like an old steamengine train, except it just happens once or twice. This time of year, you’ll see that plume, and then the whale dives again and keeps heading south, so start looking to the left for the beastie to emerge and take its next breath a couple minutes later. If you’re really lucky, the whale will jump out of the water, but seeing its breath is way more common. The Chief: From your insight, why is whale watching such a popular event in Oregon? Havel: Most people are drawn to the wildlife they don’t get to see every day. When you see a wild animal that isn’t part of your daily routine, you feel like you’re traveling to a new, exciting world. It transports you out of your own, well-known routine life and into that exciting, dramatic and unknown existence. Your imagination can kick
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department also lists information on its website about spring whale watching, which begins in late March as the gray whales travel north on their way towards Alaska. The first surge swims by around the end of March and the migration continues until June. Summer and fall brings whales that feed along the Oregon Coast from June to mid-November. For more information, visit the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department website.
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Friday, December 11, 2020
Clatskanie Grows: Garden value CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column
I have taught a lot of vegetable gardening classes over the last 40 plus years in Extension. I found that the most important motivations for gardeners are food freshness and quality, the ability to grow types of vegetables that you can’t find in a store, the desire to grow food for friends, family, and food banks, and a pure love of gardening. When I ask them if they can save money by growing their own, they will usually respond in one of several ways, i.e. yes, lots; no way, it costs a lot to garden; or yes, once I learned what I was doing. I think the last answer is telling. It takes time to learn how to do anything of value well. Once that learning is in place, mistakes decrease and productivity rises fairly dramatically. That is when you can best take the measure of gardening and what it can offer, economically and otherwise. An economist would view gardening through several lenses. The first question they would ask is “what would it cost to replace from the grocery store what you use from your garden?” This calculation is reasonably straightforward. For example, if you harvested 100 pounds of onions from the garden and were able to consume 90 pounds before some rotted in storage you could compute a grocery store value: 90 x $.80/ = $72.00 worth of onions. But it doesn’t stop there. To get that $72, you had to work and when you got paid, at the end of the day, you are probably taking home about 75 cents for every dollar earned after taxes, workman’s comp. Thus, to spend $72 on onions you had to earn (before taxes and other deductions) $72 x $1.33 = $96.
After the costs of sets, fertilizer, etc. which could total roughly $20 (water bills are a big variable), the difference between cost and avoided grocery expense is your return to your own labor and skills. It effectively adds to the household income, it isn’t taxable, it is a lot more fun and cost effective than watching television, and it is healthier to boot. What a deal. The second economic test would look at the amount and value of produce you actually eat per square foot planted. If your goal was to replace some of what you buy and if space, time, and/ or water were limiting, you
would concentrate your efforts on growing those vegetables that have a combination of reasonably high yield/square foot, fairly fast growth cycle, easier to grow, perhaps fewer
are lots of other compounds, called phytochemicals, which appear to do most of the heavy lifting relative to the health benefits. These compounds, described for the chemists in the audience as polyphenols and flavanoids, were extracted from apple flesh and skin and used against human cancer cells in laboratory tests. Test results were very encouraging. One interesting fact is that the apple skin contained a significant portion of these biologically active compounds. Clatskanie Of equal interest is that when the comGrows pounds are isolated and tested individually, they were not as effective as the complex mixture of phytochemicals found insect pests, together in the apple. and have fairly high grocery With apples somewhat store replacement costs. cheaper this year and the Some of the best vegetables “home remedy” value of in this test include: apples on the verge of being confirmed by research, there is no reason not to eat them at least once a day.
• Greens like collards, chard, kale, lettuce, arugula, etc. • Green onions • Radishes • Carrots, beets, and other root crops • Garlic and onions • Specialty potatoes • Tomatoes, esp cherry and smaller types • All the annual herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley • Woody perennial herbs like thyme, bay, rosemary, etc. as part of your permanent landscape • Zucchini • Possibly pole beans Winter squash like butternut would make the list for many gardeners because they are easy to grow, they can be stored for winter use, and don’t take huge amounts of water if you drip irrigate. They do take a lot of space but if you have it, they make some sense. A final look might combine nutrition with some of the cost replacement ideas. Cornell University Extension released a “nutrition garden” 40+ years ago. And no surprise, it looks a lot like the list above. If you want a copy of their 10’ x 10’ (now well-aged) garden plan, email me directly at the address below and I will send it to you. Apples really are good for you This should come as no surprise to this audience, but apples appear to be a health power-house. Research done in laboratories in Cornell University show that apples have both anti-oxidant and strong indications of anticancer benefits. While the vitamin C in apples is important, there
Have questions? If you have questions on any of these topics or other home garden and/ or farm questions, please contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503397-3462 or at chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu. Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at extension.oregonstate.edu/columbia and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people. Contact information for the Extension office Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County • Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 • Phone: 503-397-3462 • Email: chip.bubl@ oregonstate.edu
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Nearly $1 million in grants available for local businesses STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Applications for a new round of small business grants are open now. The state allocated almost $1 million to Columbia County to support small businesses and organizations impacted by the pandemic and the county has until Dec. 30 to distribute the funds. Nonprofits and small businesses are eligible to apply for the Emergency Small Business Grant until Dec. 19 at smallbizhub. columbiacountyoregon.com. The county has partnered with the Columbia County Economic Team (CCET) to help allocate the grants. Due to the quick timeline, applicants will be asked to provide a lot more information in their applications than in previous grant applications because there’s less time for the economic team to follow up and assist with questions, CCET Director Paul Vogel said. “I want to point out, as has been happening with most of the things that have been CARES Act affiliates, these things come to us on a very short timeline,”
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Metro Creative Connection / The Chief
Columbia County has nearly $1 million to help assist local businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Columbia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller said at the commissioner meeting Wednesday, Dec. 9. The county received the paperwork and information about the funding on Dec. 2 and has just until the end of the month to distribute the funds or return leftover money to the state. “Our ultimate goal is to not give one cent back to the state,” Heimuller said. There is $959,274 in funding to be distributed to local businesses and non-
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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW
CC20-1345
CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT MEETING NOTICE The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled the next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 5:30 pm via WebEx. A Board Workshop will not be held this month. An executive session may be called at the workshop and/ or meeting, pursuant to: ORS 192.660 (2) (f) information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection. AGENDA CLATSKANIE PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT REGULAR
BOARD MEETING on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS II. CONSENT AGENDA · Minutes of Regular Board Meeting November 18, 2020 · Review payment of bills for November 2020 III. STAFF REPORTS UPDATE · Staff Reports Update IV. ACTION ITEMS · Policy 318 District Building Preventative Maintenance Policy · New Employee Handbook Policy EH 719 Social Media Policy · Resolution 20-05 Surplus
Sale Items · Resolution 20-06 Authorizing and Approving WGA’s Sale of Steam Turbine Generator; and Authorizing GM to Execute and Deliver Covenant of Existence · Accept the official election results from Columbia & Clatsop Counties for General Election held November 3, 2020 V. DISCUSSION / INFORMATIONAL ITEMS · Board Comments & Calendar VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION VII. ADJOURNMENT.
CC20-1341
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of JAMES WILLIAM GOTCHER, Deceased. No. 20PB07890. 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 4, 2020. Valerie Gotcher Personal Representative STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law P. O. Box 459 Rainier, OR 97048.
CC20-1340
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of PAMELA A. FISHER, Deceased. No. 20PB02888 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 4, 2020. Ryan Jay Fisher, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law P. O. Box 459 Rainier, OR 97048.
CC20-1339
NOTICE OF MEETING The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Park & Recreation District will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 6:00 at 555 SW Bryant St, Clatskanie, OR, Port of Columbia County Offices (the Old Middle School). Items on the
agenda include, but are not limited to: General park maintenance and pool renovation update(s). Board Chair, Andrew Mustola. ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED.
CC20-1342
CC20-1346
NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING The McNulty Water PUD Board Meeting will be held by phone conference on December 15, 2020 at 7 pm due to the Governors COVID-19 orders. If you have any concerns or questions, please reach out to Shannon Tice at the McNulty Water PUD office 503-397-1301. CC20-1347
SOLICITING PROPOSALS The City of Rainier, Oregon is soliciting proposals for an Engineer of Record (City Engineer) to provide engineering services as an independent contractor to the City. The full RFP is available on our website, www.cityofrainier. com. For a hard copy or questions, please call Rainier City Hall at 503556-7301 or email info@ cityofrainier.com. CC20-1349
OF MEETING NOTICE OF NOTICE OF NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING NOTICE The regular meeting of to: Monthly updates on Board of Directors for to join the meeting. The the Rainier Cemetery cemetery operations. ALL MEETING MEETING The Clatskanie School District 6J agenda includes but is not District will be held on SOCIAL DISTANCING CC20-1343
CC20-1348
The Woodson Water Association will be having a Board Meeting to elect officers at 10 a.m. on Dec. 19, 2020. Location to be determined.
will hold a Board meeting, Monday, December 14, 2020, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Please see our website at www.csd.k12.or.us on the main page for directions
limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, Budget update, financial report, policy updates and the consent agenda. The public is encouraged to attend.
Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:00pm at the Rainier Cemetery Office, 24952 Alston Rd, Rainier, OR. Items on the agenda include, but are not limited
RULES IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE STRICTLY FOLLOWED. Janice Carstensen, Board Chairman.
The Rainier School Board will hold its regular board meeting virtually Monday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. Livestream available on the district website.
Oregon takes Facebook to court STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum has joined a bipartisan coalition of 48 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Facebook, Inc., alleging that the company has illegally stifled competition—and continues to do so— in order to protect its monopoly power. The lawsuit alleges that over the last decade, Facebook illegally acquired competitors in a predatory manner and blocked the growth of others, with the result that Facebook users were deprived of the benefits of competition even as the company backtracked on consumer privacy protections — all in an effort to boost its bottom line through increased advertising revenue. “In the course of my work as a consumer privacy
“The Wrath of Mark” – How Facebook buys, or buries, the competition
advocate, I have often heard people say that average Oregonians have little power to change Big Tech,” Rosenblum said. “That’s just not so. Today’s lawsuit against Facebook sends a clear message: All Oregonians deserve protection from harm —especially when the perpetrator is a tech behemoth.” Profits over people According to the lawsuit, Facebook’s unlawful monopoly leaves users with no choice but to stay on Facebook’s platform or to try to rebuild their online networks from scratch. The lawsuit alleges the monopoly traps consumer in a manner reminiscent of the way telecom companies used to prevent customers from changing carriers by forcing them to change their phone numbers in order to leave.
With a captive audience, Facebook has broad latitude to control the content users see, and to use the personal information it collects, solely to promote its business interests — even when they conflict with the interests and preferences of users, a statement from Rosenblum reads. The complaint contends, the company’s business decisions have steadily eroded privacy protections and limited users’ ability to control their own data.
The harm to consumers over the last decade comes as a direct result of Facebook’s acquisition of companies that pose competitive threats, the lawsuit claims, stating that Facebook targets competing platforms for acquisition to ensure that users have no alternatives — a strategy that fuels the company’s unfettered growth and further entrenches its position. Examples include Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp, both hugely popular apps that posed unique threats to Facebook’s monopoly. Antitrust violations Facebook is specifically charged with violating Federal antitrust laws, Section 2
of the Sherman Act, and Section 7 of the Clayton Act. Remedies The coalition asks the court to halt Facebook’s illegal, anti-competitive conduct and block the company from continuing this behavior in the future and to restrain Facebook from making further acquisitions valued at or in excess of $10 million without advance notice to the plaintiff states. The court also is asked to provide any additional relief it determines is appropriate, up to and including ordering the divestiture or restructuring of illegally acquired companies, current Facebook assets, or business lines. The complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Separately, but in coordination with the multistate
coalition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also filed a complaint against Facebook today in the same court. The coalition wishes to thank the FTC for its close working relationship and collaboration during this investigation. Oregon is joined in the lawsuit by New York, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, the District of Columbia Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and the territory of Guam.
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Friday, December 11, 2020
•O bituaries • • Norma Jean Nelson
Oct. 15, 1928 ~ Nov. 21, 2020 Norma J. Nelson passed away peacefully at St. Johns Medical Center with family members around her on Nov. 21, 2020. Norma was 92 years old. She was a home birth, born on Oct. 15, 1928 in Yankton, Oregon to Clint and Edith Anderson. Norma was one of six children. In 1929 her family moved to the Mayger area and from there she grew up in a place known as the Kelly House, but to the family it was always referred to as the farm, which was fittingly located on Anderson Road, in Downing. Just after graduating from Clatskanie High School she moved to Portland and lived with her sister Neva and brother-in-law Vic Carlton. She began her working career at Meier and Frank in downtown Portland. While working there she was recruited to play on their women’s softball team. She played all over the Portland area and from her trophies left behind was quite good. Norma often times would catch a bus and come home on weekends. While attending a dance at what was called the Old Log
Hall which was located on Alston Mayger Road, she met Dennis L. Nelson. On August 19, 1950 the couple were married at North Bonneville, Skamania County, Washington with her sister Lois Anderson and friend Wayne Rohl as witnesses. They had six children. Norma and Dennis made their first home in an apartment in Rainier but raised their children mostly in the Delena area where she was active at the Delena Grade School. Norma would often be called in to substitute for playground duty, cooking for the lunch program and filling in for the secretary. She also was an active member of the PTA (Parent Teacher Association). Helping with many annual fund raisers, events such as Turkey Dinners, Carnivals and the Haunted house. When Dennis and Norma decided to buy the business (Franks Electric) which they renamed Dennis Electric the two of them worked as partners. Dennis did the scheduling, estimating and physical electrical work and Norma did the accounting and collec-
tions. They worked together on this until Dennis passed away in 1986. Norma was also proud to be a permanent fixture as a poll worker for the local elections. Her and her best friend Ethyle Nelson would be there to accept and verify ballots for the elections, but while there, they took the opportunity to catch up with their neighbors. Norma’s life revolved around her parents, children, grandchildren and her friendships. There is nothing Norma would not do for her family. If it wasn’t for Norma most likely her children would not have known the re-
wards of raising animals that came to live on their farm. She was an avid supporter of those in the family that participated in sports. It was through these many hours on the bleachers watching her kids that she got to know many of the other mothers that turned into lifelong friends. Norma often times watching from her car would blast the horn when “her” team did something outstanding. Also, as she would sit in the bleachers you could hear her yell, “run you little bugger, run.” She also made it out on the golf course several times, she loved riding around in the golf cart. She was known to yell out ‘Whoop, Whoop or, that was a dandy” when there was a good hit off the tee, or the final putt went in the hole. She was also an avid fan of the Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Mariners. Norma had mad baking skills, she was well known for her lemon meringue pies (all pies) with the beautifully detailed crusts, cakes and her chain saw pancakes. She also invented the “Nelson” portion
Amber Louise King
VACCINES From Page A1 “Rigorous clinical trials have not only worked to ensure the vaccines are safe, but that they are safe for our vulnerable and diverse communities.” Health officials said the Pfizer vaccine was found to be 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 and the Moderna vaccine was found to be 94.5% effective. By comparison, Rachael Banks, OHA Public Health Division Director, said the flu vaccine is 40-60% effective among the overall population. “I must admit, when we first, as a nation, started talking about vaccine development, I did not think we’d be looking at a 95% effective rate,” Banks said. “While we know that all vaccines may cause some side effects for people, in this case, about one in ten people who take the COVID-19 vaccines may experience some mild side effects. These common side effects include pain, swelling or redness where the shot was given, mild fever, chills, feeling tired, headache and muscle aches.” Health officials have also learned that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is 100% effective against severe cases. Among the small population who received that vaccine, none of the cases progressed to a severe case that needed to be hospitalized.
tending many sporting events. You’d find her at both wrestling tournaments and football games where she supported her boyfriend, David Katon on the sidelines throughout his high school career. She and David were voted Queen and King at their Junior Prom. Amber had a special place in her heart for Paulina Lake. Spending the summers with her family camping and hiking is something she cherished. She enjoyed a day at the beach and often you’d find her at Dibble Beach joined by people she loved. Amber shared her love for art with her Mom. They would paint and create many pieces of art and together had started painting a picture of Paulina Lake. She looked forward to spending time cooking with her Mom and especially loved her spaghetti and homemade macn-cheese. She would share all kinds of recipes with her. “Anything pasta” was Amber’s Who gets the vaccine In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, priority will be given to frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents and employees as the first group to receive the vaccine. All Oregonians in these settings will have the opportunity to be vaccinated by the end of January, Brown said. According to Allen, the second wave of people who will likely get the vaccine are essential workers, individuals with health issues and adults ages 65 and older. However, that is unlikely to occur until several months from now, he says. “The introduction of a vaccine, however, doesn’t end this pandemic,” Brown said. “Right now, and into the foreseeable future, the only ways to reduce transmission and slow the spread is to take safety precautions until the vaccine is both widely available and widely administered. And this is going to take time. “I know these are the vaccines we have all been waiting for and as we work across Oregon and the entire country to get them widely distributed, I am asking you all to buckle down for just a little bit longer. We can finally see a light at the end of this tunnel, but we are certainly not there yet.” When more doses become available, the vaccination program will expand to critical populations and the general public and be admin-
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would say one of two things, one was “come back again when you can stay a little while,” or recently she would say, “Enjoy Life the Best You Can.” She was proceeded in death by her husband Dennis L. Nelson; parents, Clint and Edith Anderson; brother Donald E. Anderson; and sisters, Dorothy Olson (Clatskanie), Neva Carlton (Portland), and Lois Ennis (Gresham). She is survived by her brother Lowell Anderson of Lacey, Washington; sister-inlaw Beverly Rea; children, Dennis A. (Katie) Nelson of Vernonia, Ronald W. Nelson, Richard A. Nelson, and Karen D. Nelson all of Clatskanie, Kathryn D. (Alan) McGlone and William J. Nelson both of Rainier; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was never happier than when she was surrounded by kids. She will be greatly and forever missed. In the spring, when we can gather safely outdoors, there will be a celebration of life in her honor.
Edward Bergman
Nov. 17, 2001 ~ Dec. 1, 2020 Amber Louise King of Rainier, Oregon passed away in Longview, Washington on Dec. 1, 2020 at the age of 19. She was born in Longview, Washington on Nov. 17, 2001 to Michael Wayne King and Tina Louise King. Amber graduated from Rainier High School on June 6, 2020 with a GPA of 3.7. While in school she was elected Senior Class Secretary and was actively involved in Leadership. She was continuing her education at Lower Columbia Community College in hope of earning her degree in Business Administration and Hospitality. She had dreams of locally opening her own restaurant. She was a hard worker and while taking on a full college schedule, she’d recently started a job working part time as a receptionist. Amber was the recipient of a $500 Scholarship from Lower Columbia Human Resource Management. She was selected and stood out because of her outstanding efforts to prepare for her future career in business. Amber had always been involved with sports one way or another. She played softball, volleyball and basketball. She showed support for her school district and her loving father, the head coach of the Rainier High School varsity football team by being at and cheering them on at every game, both home and away. Amber supported her classmates by at-
of ice cream (extra-large). She joined The Grandmothers Bowling League which as it turned out she was also quite good at and she loved it with a passion. She could be spotted with a big smile on her face giving high fives for spares or double high fives for strikes. She was in her element for sure. Many of the women she bowled with said she was an inspiration. What Norma was most proud of when it came to her accomplishments was being a caregiver through the endof-life process for her mother, father, mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Norma was very social, at times after her kids were raised it felt like she spent more time on the road with activities scheduled daily than she did at home. She never turned down an opportunity for lunch with friends or family. She was well known for her welcoming smile, her sense of humor, and her fierce independence. When you left her house, you never got out the door without a warm hug and she
Nov. 11, 1946 ~ Dec. 1, 2020
favorite food to prepare and eat. Amber had a passion for life and her family and friends meant the world to her. She truly knew how to enjoy this corner of the world and it meant everything to her. And, as her life was just beginning she kept her memories of bonfire nights, high school dances, sporting events, girls days, and date nights close to her heart. Amber is survived by her parents, Michael King and Tina King; brothers, Kelly (Tori) and Derek; grandparents, Wayne and Jan King and Robert and Kathy Ramey; aunts, Lorie and Leslie; cousins, Dylan (Courtney), Garret, Ryan, Gavin and many extended cousins; as well as the Berntsen family; and her beloved boyfriend of three years, David Katon and family. She is preceded in death by her uncle, Steve Doggett. Amber passed away due to complications associated with Type 1 Diabetes that was undiagnosed. She was an organ donor and donated her corneas to two people. A candlelight vigil will be held in her honor on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Rainier High School football field. The time will be determined and announced at a later date. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 19, 2020 at Rainier Assembly of God Church on Rock Crest Street in Rainier, Oregon.
Edward “Ed” Charles Bergman passed away at home on Dec. 1, 2020. He was born in Longview, Washington on Nov. 11, 1946 to Art and Ethel (Johnson) Bergman. Ed graduated from Clatskanie High School in 1965. Following graduation, he served with the Oregon National Guard in the 1st Battalion 162nd Infantry from December 1965 to December 1971. While in service, he earned an Expert Badge Rifle M-16 Badge Award. He married his wife, Jerrie Lynn Holmgren, of 52 years, in 1968 and they resided in Clatskanie, Oregon, where they raised their family. Ed owned the Chevron Service Station in Clatskanie from 19671972. In 1972, he started his trucking career hauling alfalfa cubes to Eastern Washington. He bought his first dump truck in 1973, and spent the rest of his life trucking, building roads, and logging for his business, Ed Bergman Trucking. He
istered at healthcare settings, retail pharmacies and public health venues, according to an Oregon COVID-19 vaccination planning update from the OHA released Dec. 4.
fect antibody testing results. Even people who have had COVID-19 before may be advised to get a vaccine, due to the health risks associated with the virus and the fact that reinfection is possible, the CDC said. It is not yet known how long someone is prevented from reinfection after recovering from COVID-19.
Vaccine information The CDC has issued information addressing common misconceptions concerning COVID-19 vaccines. Among them, the CDC assures that the COVID-19 vaccines will not give patients COVID-19, nor will it cause one to test positive on a COVID-19 viral test. The vaccines in development do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19, the CDC said. The vaccines teach the immune system how to recognize and fight the virus, which can sometimes cause symptoms like fevers, but the CDC said the symptoms are normal and a sign the body is building immunity. It is possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 right before or right after getting vaccinated and still get sick because it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity following vaccination, the CDC said. Viral tests test for current infections, which a vaccine will not cause. Antibody tests test for previous infection, and the vaccine may cause a positive result if the body develops an immune response, as is the goal of the vaccines. The CDC said experts are looking into how the vaccinations may af-
was known to say that he had the best office. He loved working in the woods and work was his favorite hobby. Ed was a long-time member of the Clatskanie Rifle Association, the American Legion Hall, and a lifelong member of the Clatskanie Apostolic Lutheran Church. He served twenty-three years on the Western Mission Board of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, working in the woods and mountain biking. Ed completed
a bicycle road trip starting in Astoria, Oregon and finishing at the California/ Mexican border with his friend Tom Christopher. Ed’s favorite memories included attending the annual Apostolic Lutheran Church Memorial Day Campouts where he enjoyed fellowship with many friends and family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Nadine (Bergman) Kurtti and his daughter, Deana Lynn Bergman. He is survived by his wife; daughter Jennie; son Alan (Nora); and daughter Julianna (James) Kandoll; three grandsons, Jack, Mick, and Hank Bergman; sisters, Karen Fernald and Diane (Will) Vernon; and brother Bruce Bergman; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews. A private service was held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2020 at the Clatskanie Apostolic Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Murray Hill Cemetery in Clatskanie, Oregon.
Emil Seehafer
May 3, 1937 ~ Dec. 5, 2020 Emil Roland Seehafer 83, of Corvallis, passed away on Dec. 5, 2020. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
How a vaccine is approved The typical process to develop a vaccine begins a lab with scientists conducting research on how the organism causes disease and how a vaccine may intercept, according to information from the FDA. Once the vaccine candidate reaches clinical testing, there are three phases of trials. The first phase involves a small group of generally healthy adults (between 20-100 volunteers) and its goal is to assess the safety of the vaccine. If successful, it moves into the second phase which tests a larger group (several hundred) with a variety of health statuses and demographics. The short-term side effects and risks are examined. The third phase of testing casts a larger net, testing thousands of people. These tests are randomized and double blind (meaning neither the clinician nor the participant knows who receives the placebo). The goal of this phase is to test the safety of the vaccine in a large group of people, and also test the efficacy of the vaccine. If the third phase is suc-
cessful, the vaccine developers submit a Biologics License Application to the FDA, which will then inspect the facilities and review the test results. During public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, the process can be expedited, according to the FDA. The administration has been communicating with pharmaceutical companies about the the data and information needed for safe and effective vaccines. Companies developing vaccines during the pandemic have requested emergency use authorization to allow the widespread use of the vaccines as quickly as possible to address the pandemic. On Dec. 10 and 17, the FDA will meet to discuss the emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna, Inc, COVID-19 vaccine, respectively. Portland clinical trial While the state is receiving shipments of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine this month, the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is involved in a Phase 3 clinical trial of a different COVID-19 vaccine. This vaccine, known as AZD1222, is developed by the company AstraZeneca and Oxford University. A total of 30,000 participants nationwide are sought to evaluate its safety and efficacy, according to an OHSU release. The experimental vaccine will be given in two injections
administered about four weeks apart. To qualify for the trial, participants must be over 18, not be pregnant, have stable medical conditions or no medical issues, have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 and live within approximately an hour and a half of the OHSU campus in Portland. Most Columbia County residents live close enough to the facility to qualify should they meet the other requirements. “Oregon Health & Science University is proud to contribute to the world’s most pressing challenge right now: identifying a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for everyone,” OHSU President Danny Jacobs said. “We’re asking Portland-area residents to volunteer for this trial and help bring all of us closer to stopping this devastating pandemic.” The trial is randomized and two-thirds of participants will receive the experimental vaccine and one third will receive a placebo, OHSU said. Neither the clinicians involved nor the participants will know who receives the placebo or the vaccine, making it a double-blind study. Participants will be monitored for two years. People interested in enrolling can visit www.c19vaccinestudy.com or call 888-8227839 for more information. Follow daily pandemic updates at thechiefnews.com with in-depth reports in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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Tufted puffins off the endangered list HILARY DORSEY
Headlightreporter@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s popular coast is just a short distance from Clatskanie, attracting many seeking a view of the Pacific Ocean, smell of the sea and to enjoy sights of the wildlife. The tufted puffin, a charismatic seabird you can spot on along the Oregon coast, does not warrant listing as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, according to the the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The tufted puffin is a small black bird with a distinctive white mask, bright orange bill and golden tuffs of feathers on either side of its head. According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, it fishes the deep ocean for much of the year, but in summer months, can be seen nesting in burrows on island and cliffs along the coast. The decision “The most recent range-
wide estimate of the species is approximately 3 million individuals, and about 82% of the known population appears to demonstrate stable or increasing trends,” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials said. Climate change and oil spills pose the biggest threats to tufted puffins. The service’s status review found tufted puffins are undergoing a range contraction on the southern end of their range, but the species continues to be widely distributed across the northern part of its range and maintains high overall abundance. “The tufted puffin is an essential member of the coastal and marine ecosystems in which it resides,” said Stewart Cogswell, supervisor of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Anchorage Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office, in a release. “Although the species does not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act, we will continue to work with others to monitor and conserve this iconic seabird throughout its range.”
Photo courtesy of Friends of Haystack Rock
A puffin enjoys a swim at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. The North Oregon Coast location is home to the largest tufted puffin breeding colony in Oregon, according to Friends of Haystack Rock.
Financial impact John Underwood, board member of Friends of Haystack Rock, said because the tufted puffin is no longer listed, there is no additional protection or government funding for research. Friends of Haystack Rock fund the research of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Scientists have put together a strategy to identify puffins in the California Current.
The research involves trying to determine if the puffins are a distinct population segment. Under the Endangered Species Act, a distinct population segment is a vertebrate population or groups of populations that is distinct from other populations of the species and significant in relation to the entire species. “We think they are distinct enough to qualify for this segment,” Underwood said.
According to Friends of Haystack Rock, Haystack Rock is home to the largest tufted puffin breeding colony in Oregon. These seabirds show up to the rock in early April and spend about 16 weeks at the site. Underwood said puffin populations are still declining. The population of tufted puffins has decreased dramatically at Haystack Rock and is in significant decline or has disappeared entirely from colonies in California, Oregon, Washington, Japan and the Gulf of Alaska. U.S. Fish and Wildlife lays out a grid on the rock at Haystack to observe the birds, showing every burrow used, Underwood added. There used to be thousands of puffins at the rock; now there are less than 100. U.S. Fish and Wildlife goes out to the rock three to four days a week and monitors when puffins are bringing food back to the burrows. “They meet at the same location every year,” Underwood said of the puffins.
Local icon Underwood calls the puffins an icon of Cannon Beach. People come from all over to see the iconic bird. The Great Puffin Watch, held over the Fourth of July weekend brings hundreds of people. People traveling to the area for the holiday weekend learn about the event from going to the beach and brochures in various hotels. “We get the opportunity to educate folks about the puffins,” Underwood said of the event. People who attend this event can view the puffins with birding scopes and binoculars. Underwood said this helps people feel like they bond with the birds. “We can’t let these birds disappear,” Underwood said. Friends of Haystack Rock is actively raising funds to support research for the tufted puffins, as well as supporting other work done at Haystack Rock. To donate, visit friendsofhaystackrock.org/ contribute.
OSAA revises sports schedules STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) Executive Board has pushed the season start date for school sports to February and has swapped seasons around again. The OSAA Executive Board said in a release issued Monday afternoon, Dec. 7, that it was hopeful that the state’s landscape was going to improve when it adopted the current calendar back in August, but that has not proven to be the case as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, county risk level metrics have changed and restrictions on prohibited activities have not been lifted by the governor’s office and Oregon Health Authority (OHA). Reaction “The decision by the Executive Board is another reminder of the impact the pandemic has had on Oregon students and schools,” OSAA Executive Director Peter Weber said. “While disappointed that we need to adjust our original schedule, we believe that keeping three distinct seasons, albeit in shortened seasons, maintains potential opportunities for all students moving forward.” Weber said the OSAA board members made it clear during with comments during the meeting that the OSAA and its member schools are bound by the rules, regulations, and guidance set forth by the Governor’s Office and the OHA. Neither the OSAA Executive Board nor the OSAA Executive Director are able to waive state mandates or provide exceptions for certain activities or counties in the state. Clatskanie Middle/High School Athletic Director Ryan Tompkins said the OSAA announcement is bitter sweet. “I wish we could flip a switch and everything go back to normal, but things are not trending in that direction.” Tompkins said. “I’m glad they decided against cancelling winter sports, and leave the door open for a shortened season in May/June. Currently, the OHA does not permit contact sports including football, wrestling, basketball and contact cheer.” What’s next The OSAA said its staff continues to be in contact with the Governor’s Office, OHA and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to advocate for a safe return to in-person learning and high school activities. In the revised calendar also adopted on Dec. 7, fall sports are moved to Season 2 and will begin in February with multiple activities permitted by state
guidance. This allows time for case counts to decrease in the new year and for counties to subsequently move out of the extreme risk category. Cross country and soccer, as outdoor sports, are permitted by the governor’s office and OHA in all counties. As an indoor activity, volleyball is tied to the governor’s County Risk Level Guidance and only allowed in those counties deemed as lower, moderate, or high risk. Calendar
Full contact football remains on the state’s prohibited list of activities at this time. Discussions around possibly moving football later in the year were not supported at this time due to concerns expressed by the OSAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC) regarding the impact that a later contact football season would require modifications to the Fall 2021 football season. Season 3 features the traditional spring activities (baseball, softball, golf, tennis and track and field), all of which are permitted by state guidance as outdoor activities. These will begin April 5 and extend into the third week in May. The sports calendar wraps up with Season 4 and traditional winter sports (swimming, basketball and wrestling) beginning in mid-May and extending into late June. The shift of wrestling and basketball to the end of the calendar provides the most runway for their prohibition to be lifted by the state. The OSAA said in a statement it has been given no indication that a change will be made in this designation but remains hopeful that a change could occur prior to Season 4. Swimming is currently allowed outdoors for all counties and indoors for those counties not in the extreme risk metric. The activities schedule was revised to allow more time for school buildings to be accessible to their programs. Activities like choir and band/orchestra have been pushed back to the end of the school year to provide their programs the opportunity to rehearse in person if school district policy allows. cheerleading and dance/drill culminating weeks have also been adjusted to allow more time for facilities to open or have weather improve enough to move outdoors. The OSAA Executive Board also voted to extend Season 1 through February 21, 2021 to allow training, workouts and even competitions to occur in those areas of the state that are allowed per the governor’s office, OHA guidance, and local school district policy. The board plans to revisit participation limitations for all seasons, out-of-season coaching policies for Seasons 2, 3, and 4, and the need for further decisions as a result of updated state guidance or changing risk level metrics at upcoming work sessions. Read more about the pandemic impact on local high school sports and follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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Friday, December 11, 2020
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