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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

VOL. 130, NO. 33 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Omicron concerns heighten

Permanent indoor mask mandate under review ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Oregonians may soon face an indefinite indoor mask mandate.

As the expiration of the state’s temporary indoor mask rule draws near, a permanent replacement is under review by state health officials.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) filed a proposed rulemaking notice Dec. 10 with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, requesting changes to the current rule which expires Feb. 8, 2022.

The proposed permanent rule, if effected, would replace the current 180-day temporary rule with one of “indefinite” duration.

“This is necessary to control COVID-19, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and provide general health protection to people in Oregon,” the proposed rule change states.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

“We are in a race against the clock,” Gov. Kate Brown said as she and state health officials described the imminent threat of another COVID-19 surge following the arrival of the Omicron variant in Oregon.

The Friday, Dec. 17 press conference carried with it a sense of urgency, as Brown, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Patrick Allen, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Renee Edwards, State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger, and Oregon Health and Science University Lead Data Scientist Peter Graven discussed the latest COVID-19 projections and next steps for the state.

“While we are all still learning about this new variant, it is clear from the experiences of the United Kingdom and other countries that we have only weeks to prepare before Omicron hits our communities and health care systems in full force,” Brown said.

The data of concern comes from

Business impact

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

­­­­ See OMICRON Page A6

Student advocates for medical freedom ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Students in Columbia County and across the state now have a new option to voice their opinions about Oregon’s pandemic health and safety mandates.

Scappoose High School (SHS) senior Matthew Kreins, a self-proclaimed advocate for medical freedom, is organizing efforts opposing the state-ordered mandate concerning face coverings.

We have a voice.

-Matthew Kreins, SHS student

According to Kreins, 15 to 20 students representing about 5% of the SHS student population support his stance. Others, he said, are afraid to do so.

“People don’t like to start waves,” he said. “The thing is, (that’s) the mentality you’ve got to have.”

Kreins was joined by President of Free Oregon Ben Edtl, Candidate for State Rep. (HD 31) Drew Layda, and former Scappoose School District Board Member Lisa Maloney during a gathering Wednesday, Dec. 15 at the ­­­­ See FREEDOM Page A3 Obituaries ................. A4 Clatskanie Grows .... A4 Classified Ads ......... A5 Legals ....................... A5 Seasons Greetings A7

Contact The Chief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 chiefnews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens, OR 97051

This six-page proposed rule change would make Oregon’s indoor mask mandate indefinite.

The rule generally applies to all businesses in Oregon. The OHA is also proposing a civil penalty of $500 per person per day for non-compliance with the rule.

In addition, the rule change would grant the Oregon State Public Health Director or the Oregon State Health Officer “the

authority to rescind and reinstate all or parts of the rule,” according to the notice.

The rule can be repealed by the OHA if “on the ground” conditions approve, which are currently not tied to any metrics, according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger.

Additionally, any person can petition the Oregon Court of Appeals to challenge the rule’s validity under ORS 183.400, which shall only be declared invalid if the rule violates constitutional provisions, exceeds the agency’s statutory authority, or was adopted without compliance with applicable rulemaking procedures.

Before the filing, an administrative rules advisory committee met Thursday, Dec. 2 to review the need for the OHA’s proposed rule and receive the input of small businesses and organizations, the notice states.

The proposal comes shortly after the Omicron variant’s arrival to the United States on Dec. 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Through Dec. 8, the OHA reported that 22 U.S. states had detected at least one COVID-19 case attributed to the Omicron variant. Among 43 cases with ini­­­­ See MANDATE Page A5

CRFR gets 2 new fire trucks JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) is sporting two new fire trucks that are designed to add increased efficiency to the fire agency’s overall operations.

The Chief spoke with CRFR Division Chief of Operations Eric Smythe to find out specific details about the new rigs.

The Chief: Specifically, please describe what these two trucks carry, what they offer the community and where they will be stationed and why those station locations?

Eric Smythe: The Rosenbauer/ Freightliner Fire Apparatus offers our firefighters access to any location in our district or county regardless of weather or road conditions. The fire engines are 4-wheel drive and have the ability to traverse unmaintained roads, trails, and steep terrain.

These fire engines carry a full complement of fire hose, supply hose, tools, self-contained breathing apparatus, and have the ability to fight fire while driving. This ability to pump (fight fire) and roll (drive) gives our firefighters the ability to attack moving forest fires at a speed faster than we can deploy hose.

CRFR has not purchased new fire engines in 20 years, the last engines we purchased was in 2003 and we still operate and maintain those vehicles in our fleet. One of the new engines will be stationed at our Fairgrounds Station 472, next to the Columbia County Fairgrounds and surrounding areas. The other engine will be stationed at our Rainier Fire Station 476, allowing utilization for the Goble, Fernhill, Rainier, and the east end of the Clatskanie Fire District.

The Chief: What was the cost of the two fire trucks and how have they been funded?

Smythe: The purchase cost per apparatus was approximately $463,000. CRFR maintains an

Courtesy photo from CRFR

The Rainier CRFR crew ease in the fire truck at the Rainier station. The push is a fire service tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

apparatus replacement plan that allowed for the purchase of one of the engines with funds from our apparatus capital line-item, the remaining cost was financed over a three-five year period. At the end of the term or sooner the second engine will be paid for out of our general fund account.

We are looking to replace the fire engine at St. Helens Station 471 once we complete the payment of the second Rosenbauer fire apparatus. This will ensure our front-line fleet of fire engines will serve the communities for decades to come.

The Chief: What other equipment needs are being considered by CRFR and why?

Smythe: CRFR maintains a fleet of seven fire engines, one ladder/ squirt aerial apparatus, two heavy brush fire engines, two light brush engines, four water tenders, eight ambulances, one heavy rescue/extrication vehicle, and a host of support vehicles from our eight strategically

located fire stations.

We maintain a staff of up to 12 firefighters and two single role Emergency Medical Services (EMS) only members per shift. Currently, CRFR responds to approximately 7,000 incidents per year which continues to increase. We have approximately 30 volunteer fire and EMS personnel to respond and assist our career staff members on a daily basis.

The district has an apparatus replacement plan that monitors and maintains our fleet, we are constantly assessing our community needs and selecting equipment that provide the best service to our citizens.

CRFR maintains our own mechanic shop, with two of the best emergency vehicle technicians in Columbia County. These certified Emergency Vehicle Technician (EVT) trained-mechanics are versed in the latest repair and maintenance systems to keep our vehicles ready to respond at all times.

Our maintenance facility offers support to other fire districts, law

enforcement, and city vehicle fleets throughout Columbia County.

We are proud of the men and women that serve our communities, we provide the apparatus necessary to ensure we can get to any location in timely, efficient, and professional manner.

The Chief: What would be the next steps in obtaining the additional needed equipment?

Smythe: CRFR operates an apparatus committee made up of administrative, career firefighters, and volunteers that review, research, and make recommendations for future apparatus/equipment needs. Decisions are not made in a vacuum, but through a careful process that identifies the needs of our citizens and district personnel in order to ensure we can respond to all emergencies with the appropriate resources. ­­­­

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

See CRFR Page A3

www.thechiefnews.com

A2

Friday, December 24, 2021

Holiday spirit shines bright in Rainier JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The winners have been selected in Rainier’s Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

Kathryn Kreger coordinates the City of Rainier’s annual Christmas-time contest, which is sponsored by Hometown Pizza and owner Nina Phillips.

Kreger said this holiday, the decorating contest only received two entrants.

Mayor’s Choice and a prize of a $100 Visa gift card and a $25 gift certificate from Hometown Pizza go to Todd

and Janet Nelson at 404 W B Street.

The Kelley family won a $50 Visa gift card and $25 gift certificate from Hometown Pizza in the Most Creative category for their display at 47 W. 7th Street, Apartment 13.

According to Kreger, as the judges drove around the city to select the winners, they found the beauty of the season.

“There were so many beautiful houses that were decorated in Rainier, so we included a few honorable mentions,” she said.

Courtesy photo from Kathryn Kreger

This home on West B Street has been selected as the Mayor’s Choice winner in the contest.

Courtesy photo from Kathryn Kreger

This home on West 7th Street wins the Most Creative prize in the Rainier contest.

Courtesy photos from Kathryn Kreger

These homes win Honorable Mention.

Oregon’s popular Whale Watching Week canceled JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The COVID-19 pandemic has again canceled the popular winter Whale Watching Week that attracts people from Columbia County to the Oregon Coast.

“Volunteer support and access to the Whale Watch Center in Depoe Bay have been canceled for both winter and spring whale watches in 2020 and 2021, so the last four opportunities,” Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesman Chris Havel said. “We will be back with the volunteer team as soon as it’s safe.”

The Whale Watching Week is normally held from Dec. 27 through the 31st. Havel said coast visitors wanting to see the whales under the canceled situation have faced limited

opportunities since spring 2020.

“You don’t need gear, but wide-view binoculars and spotting scopes can help you zoom in after you spot the puff of water vapor from a blow with your naked eye,” he said.

“After you see the sign, start tracking south to follow the whale’s journey.”

Havel said morning viewing is best.

“If it’s not totally overcast, so you’re not fighting the sun while looking west,” he said. “There are plenty of tips online for Oregon whale watching.

A map online at https:// stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=things-to-do.

Whale-watching shows the best headlands where you can catch views of passing whales.

The beach isn’t a good spot for viewing.

Courtesy from OPRD

Coast visitors, including those from Columbia County, are encouraged to find safe locations to watch the whale migration.

Havel urges beach visitors to take additional precautions along the shoreline due to the winter conditions.

• Take care to stay well back of cliff edges. There are fences in some places, and respect them, but not everywhere. Be your own best safety coach and be careful.

After rain and wind storms, cliff edges are unstable and can give way without warning.

• Check the weather and bring the right clothing to stay warm and dry.

Despite the pandemic, the whales continue their annual migration.

“In the winter, we get to enjoy seeing nearly 20,000 gray whales from mid-December through mid-January as they travel south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico,” he said. “After giving birth,

there’s a north-bound migration in spring.”

According to Havel, people are fascinated by large, wild animals for good reason.

“People are clever and good at inventing and building ways to survive and thrive, and wildlife like whales do the same thing through sheer awesome power,” he said.

“There’s still some mystery about their lives, and seeing them in action is a thrill. Seeing them in real life is also a reminder of how we affect all marine life, and have a responsibility to eliminate pollution and be careful stewards of the planet’s resources.”

Havel adds that people are naturally attracted to the whales’ beauty, mystery, and power.

“But we also appreciate being reminded of our place in these natural systems,” and

it makes us all feel part of the family,” he said.

While the cancellation of Whale Watching Week can be an economic impact for coast businesses, Havel said there have been so many other disruptions these last two years, people have adapted.

“Some people may choose not to participate in whale watching if there aren’t volunteers available to help them, but many people have always done it solo, and there are also private boat tours available,” Havel said. “Folks interested in the guided tour experience should check with Travel Oregon and the Oregon Coast Visitors Association for more information.”

Lean more about the whale migration at https:// stateparks.oregon.gov and following the links.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Happy Holidays

Get the 2022 Clatskanie PUD calendar in the Dec. 31 edition of The Chief.

Inserted in every Chief paper in the Clatskanie and Rainier zipcode

495 E Columbia River Highway Clatskanie, OR | 503-728-2163 www.clatskaniepud.com | www.facebook.com/clatskaniepud Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, December 24, 2021

A3

Sports game probe results pending JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Courtesy photo from CRFR

Crews push in the new fire truck at the fairgrounds station in St. Helens. The push is a fire service tradition that dates back to the 1800s.

CRFR

Ceremony

From Page A1

CRFR is evaluating and moving forward with replacement of several older non-off road capable ambulances. The goal is to ensure our entire emergency medical fleet is all-weather-capable. The district is also looking at replacing some of our aging water tender apparatus with newer, all-weather/off road capable equipment to meet the needs of not only our district but our mutual aid partners as well.

In a ceremony conducted at the CRFR Fairgrounds Station in St. Helens and at the Rainier Station in Rainier, crew members pushed the new engines into their station bays.

Smythe said it’s been a fire department tradition since the 1800s.

“Horse drawn wagons that had fire equipment had to be disconnected from the horses and pushed back into the bays after a response,” he said.

“The tradition was transferred to gasoline or diesel power equipment to maintain our connection to the past.”

State and school officials continue to investigate alleged racial comments made during a Clatskanie Middle/ High School girls basketball contest with De La Salle North Catholic High School played at CMHS Dec. 14.

CMHS Athletic Director Ryan Tompkins told The Chief the results of the investigation are still pending.

The Oregon School Activities Association’s (OSAA) Peter Weber said the probe was ongoing as of Dec. 22.

“We are still working through the situation with both schools and don’t have any updates at this time,” Weber said.

Tompkins said the probe began following the game and he released a statement Dec. 14.

“We are deeply troubled as a school community at the severity of the accusations, and we are committed to

resolving the issue and promoting the continued causes of equality in our schools,” Tompkins statement reads.

Following the initial statement release, Tompkins told The Chief the investigation centers on racial comments made by members of both teams during the contest at CMHS. “There are accusations about racially-charged comments that were said between team members,” Tompkins said, without specifying what was said.

The sporting event was videotaped, and Tompkins said school authorities are reviewing the game tape.

“We are going through everything to get to the bottom of this,” he said. “We are gathering information at this point.”

Tompkins said as of Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 15, the investigation centered on students.

“We can’t say at this point if parents were in-

volved,” he said.

Tompkins said police were not called to the school during or after the game, but it is unclear if law enforcement would be involved in the investigation.

The results of the school investigation could lead to sanctions against the students found to be involved, Tompkins said.

“There is always that possibility, we do have a process,” he said.

Following Thompkins interview Dec. 15, the Chief also reached out to Weber concerning the OSAA role in the investigation.

“We have been in contact with both schools and the official’s association since then for additional information regarding the contest and are working together to investigate what took place,” Weber said. “The type of behavior alleged to have taken place is unacceptable at an interscholastic event. The OSAA remains committed

to helping member schools create a safe, welcoming, and validating environment for all.”

Weber said the OSAA process in such an investigation is to notify both schools that a complaint has been received and request that they investigate with their own players, coaches, fans, etc. to help determine what took place.

“Based on the information gathered, we then work directly with the schools to help resolve the situation,” Weber said.

On Dec. 16, Clatskanie Middle/High School released a statement saying that due to safety concerns and the ongoing investigation into the events of Dec. 14, the girls basketball team will not be playing in the Dayton Tournament.

Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency

Community Action Team

One Day Strike

Are you a veteran?

You may be entitled to benefits for serving your country.

Contact your Veteran Service Officer • 503-366-6580 Call CAT at (503)397-3511 to find out if you qualify. Rental and energy assistance applications are available at 125 N. 17th St., St. Helens, OR. Also available on our website at www.CAT-TEAM.org

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 hold signs along Highway 30 at the entrance to the Scappoose Fred Meyer store Friday morning, Dec. 17, as the strike against Fred Meyer began. A tentative contract agreement was reached late that night.

“We are pleased that Fred Meyer and QFC have recognized the ongoing hazard to its workers, with a settlement agreement that provides significant wage increases, added workplace protections, a secure retirement, and quality healthcare,” the union stated in a release. Specific details were pending contract ratification by both union and management.

FREEDOM From Page A1

Tidewater Contractors, Inc. is looking to hire a

Shop Supervisor to join its Brookings, Oregon crew.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years supervision experience • At least 5 years work experience in a heavy equipment/truck repair role

Apply with resume: Tidewater Contractors, Inc. 16156 Hwy. 101 S., PO Box 1956 Office: 541-469-5341 • Fax: 541-469-5543 Email: info@TWContractors.com

Tidewater Contractors is an

EOE Employer

Scappoose Public Library to voice their opposition to mandates they view as government overreach.

“We’re going to start doing small steps,” Kreins said.

“We’re going to start holding rallies outside the school every Monday, and it’s going to (go) local, county, regional, state, (and) federal.”

According to Kreins, the nonpartisan movement includes a network of student supporters in school districts throughout the state and anyone who wants to join is welcome.

“We just want people that believe in freedom, in the Constitution, in the rights that we hold. That is what matters,” he said.

Kreins underscored the dangers of what he interprets as a blind allegiance to mask mandates.

“It starts with a mask,” he said. “The point of this is to make us look like we are no longer human.”

“The state thinks it owns you, the state thinks it owns

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

Scappoose High School senior, Matthew Kreins criticized school mask mandates during his speech at the Scappoose Public Library.

your children,” Layda said.

“By proxy, the state thinks it owns your future. And there is never a more dangerous situation than that.”

Following Kreins’ speech, The Chief asked him what changes he would like to see specifically within the school district.

“I wish what they would do is allow us to have an option,” he said. “If they want to wear a mask because they felt like it was their responsibility, or their safety, go ahead. But if you don’t want to wear a mask because you’re not worried, then go ahead and we’re not going to stop you.”

Free Oregon President Ben Edtl said the vaccines do not work.

“We know that (vaccines)

don’t stop you from getting COVID-19,” he said. “By definition, it’s not a vaccine.”

Free Oregon is a statewide organization formed over the last six months in reaction to the state government’s response to COVID-19. There are currently 4,000 members in the organization, and the numbers continue to rise, Edtl said.

The organization has filed multiple lawsuits against the state of Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), and school districts for civil rights infringement, according to Edtl, some of which have worked their way up to the federal courts system.

“We have a voice,” Kreins said. “And we’re not going to let those voices go unheard.”

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Columbia County’s trusted local news source

www.thechiefnews.com

A4

•

Friday, December 24, 2021

•C latskanie G rows • •

Clatskanie Grows: Last minute gift list for gardeners CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column

If you have a gardener on your gift list this holiday season, you’re in luck. Garden accessories are popular items in many stores and nurseries. Here are some lastminute gift suggestions for your green-thumbed family and friends. And to all my Garden Plots and Clatskanie Grows readers, may you have the happiest of holidays.

• A gift certificate for plants or tools from a favorite nursery, garden center, hardware, and/or feed and seed store. With only days left, this is quick and practical.

Also, a gift certificate from a favorite seed or fruit tree company.

• Gardener’s journal to record planting dates, varieties, successes (and failures) from year to year.

• Leather gardening gloves to prevent injury and chapped, rough skin.

• Flexible, rubberized cotton gloves that keep fingernails clean and hands dry.

•

• A soil thermometer is very useful. So are moisture meters with ~12-inch probes.

Both are inexpensive gifts.

• Q Knot reusable cable ties are handy for staking tomatoes or trellises. Get them from a local hardware store.

• Rolls of re-useable Velcro tape cut-to-length that can also hold tomatoes, apple shoots, or other garden plant parts onto structures.

• Manual or electric water hose timer. This device can be attached to any faucet, and automatically shuts off water after a set amount of time. Get a single or dual model from a hardware store.

• Water bubbler with flow control or other interesting sprinklers.

• High-quality pruning loppers or hand pruners to make winter pruning a pleasure; Folding pruning saws are great for pruning but also handy for camping or backpacking. Fiskers, Barnel, or Corona are good brands.

• Corona Quick Tool Sharpener. A pocket-sized tool for sharpening pruners, shears and blades.

• Well-made spading

•O

fork (a personal favorite) or specialized hoes and shovels.

• Floating row covers are lightweight blankets to put over vegetables that help capture warmth and protect plants.

May be available from the Extension office in

February/ March.

Call us.

• Heavier row covers for pot protection from cold winter weather: We have some now at the Extension office at a sale price.

• A Hori Hori Knife is a transplant knife from Japan, that’s part trowel and part knife. Also, good for dispatching slugs. It is a

•

bituaries •

Johanne “Jo” Floy Culbertson Jan. 22, 1941 ~ Dec. 9, 2021

On Thurs., Dec. 9, 2021, our beloved Johanne “Jo” Floy Culbertson, 80, passed quietly into God’s loving arms in Longview, Washington. Jo was born on Jan. 22, 1941 in Hillsboro, Oregon to Einer Juhl Jeppesen and Frances Elvira (Teller) Jeppesen. She was the second of three children.

Jo grew up on a 140-acre ranch with her siblings in Jewell, Oregon. Part of ranch life was helping with the cattle, pigs, goats and tending to their massive garden. Her favorite little friend was their dog named Cookie, and she always would say, “Lookie, lookie, here comes Cookie.”

Being on a large ranch, they often had issues with predators going after their stock, including bear. They needed to find someone who could help them with this problem, so her Dad put an ad in the papers looking for someone to come hunt bear to prevent this depletion. A young man answered that ad. She was unaware that a few years from then, he would become the love of her life. She attended the local schools and graduated from Jewell High School in 1959.

On July 11, 1959, she married her sweetheart Donald Wyatt Culbertson in Clatskanie, Oregon. They made their home in the Taylorville area of Westport, Oregon for the rest of their lives. During the 1980’s she enjoyed working as an Education Assistant at many local schools in the area. Jo, along with her husband Don,

were among the initial group that established the Wauna Water District. She held several different positions there, from Treasurer/Secretary to Manager at Wauna Water District until 2009, when they merged with Westport Water. She loved raising and spending time with her three children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Surviving Jo are her three sons, Terry Culbertson of Rainier, Oregon, Curtis Culbertson of Westport, Oregon, and Max (Laura) Culbertson of Clatskanie, Oregon; grandchildren, Nicholas (Tiffany) Culbertson, Kody Culbertson and Mike Culbertson all of Westport, Oregon; greatgrandchildren, Zoa, Axle and Otto Culbertson of Westport, Oregon, and MyOnna and Phoebe Culbertson of Lincoln City, Oregon; sister Jackie (Jeppesen) Bobbinger of Enterprise, Oregon; and brother James Jeppesen of Astoria, Oregon.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald

Wyatt Culbertson on Sept. 1, 2008.

We will always remember Jo being a compassionate and loving Mother, Grandmother and friend. She loved her family dearly and they were the center of her world.

Her easy-going personality helped make it easy to connect with her. Once you met her, you would become an instant friend. Jo enjoyed sharing jokes to make people laugh and yes, sometimes they could be on the shady side, which always brought out her precious giggle. From teaching the grandchildren to chop firewood with an axe, to learning how to bake and sew were some of the things she was passionate about. There weren’t many days that would go by where you wouldn’t see her outside tinkering in the yard, garden, or going next door to the neighbors for a visit. She was a blessing to many, and will fondly be remembered for her unconditional love, beautiful smile, and warm hugs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jo’s memory to Turning Point, 220 East Columbia River Hwy., Clatskanie, Oregon 97016.

Private burial was held on Tues., Dec. 21, 2021, at Willamette National Cemetery, where she was placed alongside her departed husband. A Celebration of Life for Jo will be held at a later date, most likely February or March 2022 when the weather is better for traveling.

The Chief

The Chief (USPS 116-360) is published weekly by Country Media, Inc. 1805 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, OR 97051

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Chief PO Box 1153, St. Helens, OR 97051

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: 1 month in county: $8 1 month out of county: $10 One year in county: $60 One year out of county: $80

great tool.

• LED headlamp is handy tool for gardening or locating slugs at night (if you are so inclined). If you have close neighbors, warn them of your new hobby.

Also good for looking for carpenter ant evidence under your house.

• Lithium batterypowered chain saws, pole pruners, and weed whackers. There are a number of new types and the quality is greatly improved over the ones sold even a few years ago. For casual users of these tools, they work well and do not

Clatskanie Grows

have the maintenance challenges of gas–fueled versions.

• Insect, Mushroom, Weed, or Native Plant identification book.

• Easy grip hand tools for gardeners with arthritis.

• Long spouted watering container for easy house-plant care.

• Ever-sharp garden

scissors for snipping herbs and flowers.

• Large sturdy garden cart to carry tools and soil amendments to the garden in one trip.

• Knee-pads or gardening stool to make weeding and low work less of a strain.

• A heavy apron with pockets to keep gardening tools handy or a caddy with pockets for your garden bucket.

• Aluminum plant tags (write on them with a pencil) to hang or attach to woody plants.

Important notes • The OSU Extension Office is fully reopened.

Masks are still required inside.

• Donate produce and/ or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It is greatly appreciated.

• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

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. The office

is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) written/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you.

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

Many Extension publications available online Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu. Click on publications and start exploring.

Contact Resources Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

County offices temporarily relocate Columbia County has entered into a 24-month lease agreement with American Property Management.

“This agreement paves the way for the temporary relocation of the Land Development Services (LDS) department and associated Planning, Building, Code Compliance, and On-Site Septic services,” Columbia County’s interim Planning Manager Robert Wheeldon said.

The county’s Land Development Services is scheduled to move Dec. 27 from its current location in the County Courthouse Annex building at 230 Strand Street to a temporary location in the Port Business Center at 445 Port Avenue.

Applications will be accepted, and inspections will continue to be completed

throughout the transition. Additional limited services will be available on the main floor of the Annex building during the transition. LDS’s full services will resume no later than Friday, Jan. 7 at the Port Avenue address.

“The temporary move is a necessary step in the planned renovations of the County Courthouse Annex and John Gumm buildings, ultimately allowing the County to position its service departments in a manner that better serves the community,” Columbia County Commissioner Casey Garrett said.

Building renovations will enable the Public Health Department to relocate to the lower level of the Annex building, move County administrative functions to the John Gumm building, and

Weekly Online Poll Do you agree with the proposal to make Oregon’s indoor mask mandate indefinite?

Yes

No

consolidate counter-driven services to the main floor of the Courthouse.

“Grouping all of our counter functions on the main floor of the Courthouse will not only provide ease of access to these services, but it will also improve the level of customer service that we can deliver to County residents,” Garrett said.

“Minimizing any inconvenience to the public while still ensuring that the department can offer its many important services has been one of the top concerns during the design phase of this project,” Columbia County’s Building Official Suzie Dahl said.

For more information about the move or services available from Land Development Services, please call 503-3971501.

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CONTACT US • Phone: (503) 397-0116 • Fax: (503) 397-4093 Website: www.thechiefnews.com Editorial: chiefnews@countrymedia.net ADVERTISE WITH US: Advertising Email: chronicleads@countrymedia.net Classified email: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net

Vote online at thechiefnews.com

Editorial policy Opinions expressed on this page are independent of The Chief views and are solely those of the writers expressing them.

Correction In the Dec. 10 edition of The Chief, in the story The hunt: Finding the perfect Christmas tree, we incorrectly identified Oregon Christmas Tree Growers Association President and Trout Creek Tree Farm Founder Tom Norby as Tom Nordy. We are happy to set the record straight.

Friday, December 24, 2021

www.thechiefnews.com

A5

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502

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Tidewater Contractors is an EOE Employer.

Tidewater Contractors, Inc. is looking to hire a Shop Supervisor to join its Brookings, Oregon crew.

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Early Deadlines Christmas and New Year’s Day The Chief has early advertising deadlines because of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

The office will be closed on Dec. 24 and Friday, Dec. 31 Deadlines for classifieds, legals, obituaries, and display advertising: Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Noon for Jan. 31 edition

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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC21-1549

TS No. OR08000140-18-7S APN 11353 TO No OR08000140-18-8 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, BARRY L EVANS as Grantor to TICOR TITLE COMPANY OF OREGON as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for USA DIRECT FUNDING, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of August 1, 2017 and recorded on August 4, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-07168 and the beneficial interest was assigned to The Money Source Inc. and recorded October 15, 2018 as Instrument Number 201808781 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 11353 LOT 1, BLOCK 119, CITY OF ST. HELENS, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON.

Commonly known as: 496 S 15TH ST, ST HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, The Money Source 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): 9 Monthly Payment(s) from 05/01/2019 to 01/30/2020 at $971.54 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2020 to 02/28/2020 at $957.59 14 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2020 to 04/30/2021 at $948.94 7 Monthly Payment(s) from 05/01/2021 to 11/30/2021 at $970.86

Total Late Charge(s): 333.85 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 $166,236.35 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.37500% per annum from April 1, 2019 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 April 6, 2022 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051

County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not

CC21-1557

CC21-1555

then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic.

Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In

construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 11/19/2021 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 78848, Pub Dates: 12/17/2021, 12/24/2021, 12/31/2021, 1/7/2022, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

CC21-1556

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING is hereby given on this application for a THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE STATE OF OREGON FOR thatNotice on Wednesday, Janutext amendment are found ary 19, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., a Rainier Development THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Public Hearing will be held inCode Section 18.125.010: Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of PAULINE MARIE REDISKE, Deceased. No. 21PB08494 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 17, 2021. Geraldine Booth, Personal Representative.

STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

•C rossword S olutions • •

Solution for the Dec. 17, 2021 crossword puzzle

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN ELIZABETH OLSEN, Deceased. No. 21PB10412 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

MANDATE

From Page A1

tial follow-up, one hospitalization and no deaths were reported.

As of Monday, Dec. 20, there were four confirmed cases of Omicron in Oregon and state health officials believe more of the variant cases will surface.

Reaffirming responsibility At a virtual press conference held Friday, Dec. 17, Gov. Kate Brown reaffirmed the importance of responsible masking practices amid news of the new variant.

“As Omicron is spreading, more states are starting to follow Oregon’s lead in reinstating mask requirements,” she said. “Thank you to every Oregonian

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 31, 2021. Patricia D. Richard, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., ATTORNEY AT LAW, P.O. BOX 459, Rainier, OR 97048.

before the City of Rainier Planning Commission at City Hall, 106 West ‘B’ Street, Rainier, Oregon to receive public testimony regarding City-initiated text amendments to amend Municipal Code, Zoning Code Chapter 18 to implement Ordinances 1082 (Flood Damage Prevention amendments), 1083 (Annexation Chapter creation), and 1084 (Waterfront Mixed Use Overlay Zone amendments).

The applicable criteria used to make a decision

who continues to mask up.

You are making a difference.”

“Science shows that masks work,” OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie told The Chief. “They save lives.

That’s why OHA issued the temporary rule requiring indoor mask use and why OHA plans to issue the permanent rule with this requirement.”

Modie said the OHA’s decision to move forward with the proposal was databased.

“OHA reviewed several studies related to COVID-19 transmission and masking, including national data on the effectiveness of masks in preventing the transmission of the virus,” Modie said. “OHA continues to monitor scientific data with regard to masking and control of COVID-19.”

Data from the CDC

shows a 1-2% reduction in tals to be at a point where COVID case growth and they are able to handle the death rates associated with volume of patients they see state-issued mask mandates from COVID-19 and other in a study of 2,313 U.S. conditions without needing counties up to 81-100 days the tremendous additional after implementation. staffing they have in order Oregon is one of eight to provide that quality of states to retain a mask man- care to all Oregonians.” date nearly two years into the pandemic, according to Next steps the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Members of the public Modie said the OHA’s will have the opportunity to approach is to continue comment on the proposal, to look at the impact of according to Modie. the virus on Oregonians The OHA is accepting and Oregon’s health care comments on the proposed system. rule until Jan. 24, and a “And make recompublic hearing will be mendations based on what conducted from 10 a.m. to we see on the ground, and noon Jan. 20. The location either increase control of that meeting was pendof the pandemic because ing at press time. things are getting worse or relax the current preEmail publichealth. cautions we have in place rules@dhsoha.state.or.us to because the disease rate has be added to the interested gone down significantly,” parties list and to submit a he said. “We want hospicomment.

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Amendments to the text of the comprehensive plan or implementing ordinances.

There is no specific site address for these Text Amendment applications. Written testimony should be submitted to the City of Rainier Planning Clerk before 5:00 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday. Written testimony submitted after that will be brought before the City Council on the night of the meeting for consideration and a vote to accept or not accept it into the record.

www.thechiefnews.com

A6

OMICRON From Page A1

a Dec. 17 forecast published

by OHSU, which indicates immunity, whether natural or acquired through the vaccine, is less effective against Omicron than the Delta variant.

“Today’s forecast is a warning we can’t ignore,” OHA Director Patrick Allen said.

The Omicron variant was first detected in Africa in November and has since traveled to various U.S. states. As of Monday, Dec. 20, four cases of Omicron were identified in Oregon. Omicron appears to have a higher rate of transmission coupled with a decreased hospitalization rate, studies show.

In addressing the media, the governor shared what she believes to be the next logical course of action.

“Today I am calling on one million Oregonians to step up and get their booster dose by the end of January,” she said.

“Boosters are our best protection against Omicron. The state will be taking important steps to make sure our most vulnerable Oregonians have access to booster shots and to make sure we are ready to support our hospital systems for another surge.”

“If you aren’t yet vaccinated, now is the time,” she said. “This is a matter of life and death.”

Brown also emphasized the importance of Oregonians uniting to slow the spread of the virus.

“A big part of that plan will depend on each and every one of you,” she said.

The news appears to conflict with OHSU findings published a little over two weeks earlier, projecting that COVID-19 hospitalizations

would fall below 200 around Feb. 1.

82% of Oregonians either have immunity to the COVID-19 virus, and 85% is the threshold where Delta is less likely to spread readily among the population, according to Graven.

At the Dec. 17 press conference, Graven had a different message to deliver.

“I’d hoped to be able to share better news today, but today’s forecast is going to anticipate another surge of severe illness in Oregon,” Graven said. “While the severity is less, it is not low enough to prevent us from seeing hospitalizations.”

A reporter asked Brown about how we might deal with a variant with risks that surpass both Delta and Omicron.

“All options are on the table,” she said.

Brown concluded her speech with a key message for her constituents.

“If you take one thing away from this press conference, let it be this: Get your booster shot,” she said.

Columbia County Public Health The OHA and Columbia Public Health (CCPH) Department are partnering to offer free drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot clinics from Jan. 6 through Jan. 16 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens.

No appointment is necessary.

First, second does, and boosters of the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available for adults and children (ages 5+), according to the OHA website.

Call the CCPH at 503-3977247 to request information or schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment outside of the free clinics.

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Friday, December 24, 2021

Why NW Oregon’s GDP is important ERIK KNODER Chief Guest Article

Every county in Northwest Oregon was hit hard by the Pandemic Recession.

Business restrictions and closures affected all counties; the travel industry, so important to the coast, saw an unprecedented drop in business and employment; and Oregon State University in Benton County ended inperson instruction. It’s not surprising then that in 2020 gross domestic product fell in all five counties from the previous year.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the value of goods and services produced in an area and is a key economic indicator.

Columbia County Columbia County had more modest GDP growth over the past 10 years.

Columbia County’s GDP fell in the years after the Great Recession before rebounding more in 2015. It has grown by 5.9% in real terms since 2010, a gain of $344 million. The growth was due entirely to the private sector, which grew by nearly 12%. Government GDP fell by 21% in Columbia County. Services, especially professional and business services and health care, powered its GDP growth. Construction also grew rapidly over the 10 years. Manufacturing GDP declined from 2010 to 2020.

Clatsop County Clatsop County’s employment also had solid GDP growth during the recovery from the Great Recession, and it was also hit very hard by the Pandemic Recession. Clatsop County’s GDP grew by $437 million from 2010 to 2020 which yielded total inflation-adjusted growth of 4.7% over the period.

The county’s growth came primarily from its privatesector service industries.

Clatsop County’s retail and wholesale trade, health care, and professional and

Courtesy photo

The Northwest Oregon County’s Gross Domestic Product is a key indicator of the economy in Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln and Benton counties.

business services industries provided much of the county’s GDP growth.

Tillamook County Tillamook County has the smallest GDP in the region, but it led the pack for GDP growth (26%) from 2010 to 2020. Tillamook County did not escape the Pandemic Recession, however. Its GDP shrank by 5.1% from 2019 to 2020.

Most of Tillamook County’s GDP growth from 2010 to 2020 came from private industry. Output from both manufacturing and professional and business services more than doubled over the period. Retail trade output increased by one-third.

Although the county has the smallest GDP in the Northwest region, its growth led to it producing a gain in nominal output (+$427 million) that was larger than in either Lincoln or Columbia counties and nearly equal to the increase in Clatsop County. Pretty impressive.

Lincoln County During the Great Recession Lincoln County’s GDP

fell six out of seven years from 2006 through 2013.

In inflation-adjusted terms it took until 2016 for the county’s GDP to surpass the level it first reached in 2006. The Pandemic Recession then hit Lincoln County very hard; for two months the county had an unemployment rate in excess of 20% as its travel industry collapsed.

The county’s inflationadjusted GDP was actually 5.2% lower in 2020 than it had been in 2010 during the Great Recession even though nominal GDP increased by $302 million.

Real private-sector GDP fell by 7.7% over the 10 years.

Some Lincoln County industries did grow. Retail trade grew by 28% in real terms and professional and business services grew by 12%. Construction, finance, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing had the real value of their output fall compared with 2010.

Benton County Estimates by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) show that Benton County’s GDP grew

by nearly $1 billion dollars from 2010 through 2020.

After adjusting for inflation this resulted in real growth of 8.7%. Benton County’s employment was on a strong growth path for years until the pandemic. Oregon State University’s effective closure led to the loss of thousands of jobs, and GDP fell by 2.4% in 2020.

The county still hasn’t fully recovered.

Benton County provided 42.5% of the region’s $11.2 billion GDP in 2020. Benton County’s large publicsector employment provided a measure of stability during the pandemic and real government GDP grew by 12.4% over the 10 years to 2020. Private-sector GDP grew by 7.7%. Top privatesector industries contributing to growth included professional and business services, retail trade, and health care.

The BEA makes estimates of county-level gross domestic product.

Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-351-5595.

•C rossword P uzzle • •

STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: MOVIE QUOTES

ACROSS 1. THESE 5. General Services Administration 8. Ex-Miami Heat player Dwyane 12. Pomegranate seed 13. Actor Chris O’____ 14. Pacific Crest Trail walker 15. Country dance formation 16. Wished undone 17. Popeye’s sweetie 18. *”Sudden Impact”: “Go ahead, ____ ____ ____” 20. Arm part 21. Gold unit 22. Parabola, e.g.

23. San Joaquin Valley city 26. Hangs out with 30. Unit of electrical resistance 31. *”Star Wars”: “Stay in ____ formation” 34. Mr. Jinx’s (of “Meet the Parents”) cry 35. Clay and silt deposit 37. Camel debris 38. Japanese sword fighting 39. Was aware of 40. Come into sight 42. *”Independence Day”: “I

48. Bird-made fertilizer

19. Supernatural life force,

50. Sketch

pl.

52. *”On the Waterfront”: “I

22. Query

coulda been a ____”

23. *”Who Framed Roger

56. El Dorado-related

Rabbit”: “That’s all, ____!”

57. Tabernacle Choir’s home state 58. Contributed 59. Star Wars attacker 60. Unidentified aircraft 61. Prep for publication 62. Ladder step 63. Tropical American cuckoo 64. Part to play

DOWN 1. Precedes storm?

2. Soprano’s song, e.g.

24. CÙtes du ____, wine region 25. Mideast V.I.P. 26. Soreness 27. Kidney-related 28. *”Princess Bride”: “You killed my father. Prepare ____ ____” 29. Bound by oath 32. “Lights out” tune 33. Nile reptile 36. *”Finding Nemo”: “Just keep ____”

3. *”Mean Girls”: “On

38. Danish money

Wednesdays, we wear ____”

40. Two before Oct

4. Makes smooth, as in hair

41. Lack of enthusiasm

5. Dutch cheese

44. 1/16th of a pound

6. *”Darkest Hour”: “I have

46. Not two years but three,

nothing to offer but blood,

e.g.

toil, tears and ____”

48. Coped (2 words)

7. ____ Walker, American

49. Freshwater eel, in Japan

Girl doll

50. Comics character Little

8. *”Field of Dreams”: “If you build it, he ____ _____” 9. Related 10. Deity, in Sanskrit

belong in the ____”

11. “... ____ he drove out of

43. *”The Dark Knight”:

sight”

“Why so ____?”

13. Fungus damage (2 words)

45. Common allergen

14. Meryl Streep’s “The

47. Cup alternative

____”

____ 51. Fe 52. Caribbean island country 53. Carpenter’s joint 54. Like a fairytale stepmother?

55. Network of nerves 56. Acronym, abbr.

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of The Chief.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, December 24, 2021

The Chief and the Chronicle present the following special Seasons Greetings presentation in partnership with our advertising partners.

We wish our readers and our communities a safe and happy holiday and a New Year filled with hope, promise and prosperity.

Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher/Executive Editor

Zoe Gottlieb General Assignment Reporter

Katherine Mace

Marketing Consultant

James Yang Graphic Artist

Kelli Nicholson Office Manager

Jon Lawrance Driver

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A8

Friday, December 24, 2021

Season’s Greetings •

•W ho W e A re • •

Faith in the face of uncertainty

Zoe Gottlieb / The Chief

Faith Lutheran Church in Clatskanie offers both in-person and Zoom services to its attendees.

ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Christmas worshipping at local churches may look a little different again this year as local churches continue to take different approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clatskanie Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Mary Anthony said his church has had a complicated relationship with Zoom.

“We hate it,” she said.

“We’re grateful for it. Grateful that it’s allowed us to stay connected. It’s been a good fit for us, but of course we’d rather be in person.”

With 25 years’ experience as an ordained minister, Anthony joined the church in the spring of 2018 before the pandemic struck.

According to Anthony, the church held services exclusively on Zoom until Oct. 2020. As the pandemic situation improved the following July, churchgoers were able to worship in person up until the Delta variant swept through Columbia County towards the end of August.

Anthony said church services are currently operating in a hybrid format.

“We are both in-person (wearing) masks, but we also have Zoom going,” she said.

“It’s very much a making lemonade situation.”

In addition to the Zoom adaptations, church officials has had to figure out new ways to maintain tradition in light of pandemic restrictions. “(When) we have our service, we might not be singing verses and of course we’ll have our masks on,” Anthony said. “(This year) we did not collect food items and gifts for families, we donated money to the people in person.”

As to whether she would prefer the church to open up fully, Anthony said, “It is very important to us. But on the other hand, we also skew older and therefore more fragile.”

The Faith Lutheran ministry will be holding their candlelight service Christmas Eve at 7 p.m., and a reading and carols service Sunday, Jan. 2 at 10 a.m.

Faith Lutheran Church, located on 1010 NE 5th St. in Clatskanie, Oregon, is open for in-person or Zoom worship on Sundays at 10 a.m.

Masks are required, and hand sanitizer is provided. Contact Pastor Anthony at (503) 975-9436 for the meeting ID number and password.

Rainier Alston’s Corner Assembly of God in Rainier is still holding its services on Facebook

Courtesy photo

Courtesy photo

Inflatable holiday decorations lent a festive atmosphere to Rainier Community Church of God’s Dec. 18 Hot Chocolate Drive-thru event.

Community members were invited to indulge in hot chocolate and photos with Santa during the event at the Rainier Community Church of God.

live, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The church holds Sunday morning services at 10:30 a.m. each week on Facebook Live and led a virtual candlelight service on Dec. 19 in celebration of Christmas Eve. “We look forward to fresh hope as we end this year and begin a new year,” Alston’s Corner Assembly of God Pastor William Berry said.

The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal church organization founded in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Today, there are nearly 13,000 churches in the U.S. with over 3 million members and adherents, the denomination’s website states.

The church restored its services back in August 2020 with recommended COVID safety measures in place, such as masks and physical distancing, and has been gaining increased participation as the COVID-19 situation has improved.

“We don’t have to have people sign in, simply we still require people wearing masks which we had to have people sign up ahead of time.

But slowly with been getting

St. Helens Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church is fully operational, according to Pastor Joseph Burkhardt.

“We have continued our services throughout the entire pandemic,” he said. “We have never stopped if that means anything.”

While at the same time acknowledging his church’s role to make the services inclusive, he said congregation members do offer alternative services for those with health risks or underlying conditions.

Ascension Evangelical Lutheran Church is located on

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1911 Columbia Blvd. in St. Helens. Mass is held 9:30 a.m.

Sundays, followed by Sunday Bible class at 11a.m. The ministry will be commemorating the Christmas Day with a service at 9:30 a.m.

Scappoose Congregation services are on the rebound, according to Pastor Charles Wood at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Scappoose.

almost I would say at least maybe 70 to 80% of pre-pandemic numbers,” he said.

St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church is located on 51555 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Family Mass will be held on Christmas Eve at 4:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Worship will also take place Christmas day at 9 a.m.

Visit stwenceslaus-scappoose.com for more information.

May your Holidays be Merry & Bright.

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Friday, December 24, 2021

A9

Season’s Greetings Christmas tree recycling for the season ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

As the New Year arrives and Christmas trees begin to lose their luster, many of us are looking for simple solutions to discard them.

There are a number of ways you can recycle your Christmas tree this year, according to Kanale Tumlinson, Site Manager of Hudson Garbage Service in St. Helens.

Tumlinson advises Christmas tree owners to cut their trees down to three pieces and deposit them curbside for waste management to collect.

Tumlinson recommends calling Hudson Garbage at 800-422-9988 to speak with a customer service representative about scheduling a pickup time for your Christmas tree.

Hudson Garbage Service will continue to accept Christmas trees well into the new year, according to Tumlinson.

“Usually we get a really heavy call load of picking up these Christmas trees, usually two weeks from Christmas Day, two weeks after,” he said. “We’ve seen a few go into the spring depending on what people do with their trees. But yeah, the service

is available typically up to a month after Christmas.”

Tumlinson also gave pointers for those new to the task of breaking down Christmas trees.

“If you’ve got a six-foot tree, cut that down into three sections, about two-foot pieces and then put that into yard debris cart,” he said.

“The driver then picks it up on the same Monday and then he’ll bring it back to the Columbia County Transfer Station (to) dump out into our compost and yard debris pile.

That material ends up going to Beaver Bark Scappoose and they turn it into compost and fertilizer.”

A community endeavor Recycling your Christmas tree has benefits for the community as well as the environment.

Hudson Garbage Service utilizes Christmas tree recycling as a means to collect donations for the Boy Scouts.

“I try to encourage a lot of customers to utilize the Boy Scout program because it helps the Boy Scouts and all the boys there with their efforts,” Tumlinson said.

“Whatever reason they can’t make it there, we have no

Metro Creative Connection

The National Christmas Tree Association recommends placing a plastic bag underneath your tree stand for easy, mess-free disposal after the holidays.

problem picking it up, but it at least helps get a lot of community little partnerships going.”

Boy Scouts will be stationed in the parking lot of Lawrence Oil at 845 N Columbia River Highway in St. Helens to pick up Christmas trees between Dec. 28 and Jan. 15.

“They ask for donations, but if you say you can’t donate anything but still need

to get rid of your tree or want to recycle them they’ll take it from you no problem,” Tumlinson said.

Boy Scout Troop 106 Staff Lead Bill Reese said he has managed the tree recycling program for 35 years.

American Legion members will be picking up Christmas trees from porches around Columbia City, Scappoose,

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If you would like to opt in to the Christmas tree pickup service, call 503-410-9644, email karenhilburn2@gmail. com, or mail a request to P.O. Box 216 in Columbia City, 97018.

Additional tips The National Christmas Tree Association compiled a list of eco-friendly options for recycling your Christmas tree post-holiday season.

• Soil erosion barriers: Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management.

• Fish feeders: Sunk into private fish ponds, trees make an excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.

• Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary.

Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed). Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper.

• Mulch: A Christmas tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden.

• Paths for hiking trails: Some counties use shredded trees as a free, renewable and natural path material that fits both the environment and the needs of hikers.

• Living, rooted trees: Get a rooted (ball and burlap or containerized) tree and plant it in your yard. (It’s a good idea to dig the hole in the late fall while the soil is still soft, then plant the tree into that hole immediately after Christmas.)

Living trees have a better survival rate in mild climates.

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A10

Friday, December 24, 2021

Season’s Greetings

Happy

s at..

ur friend

from yo Holidays

ike Road D 1 9 1 9 2 om vinbros.c e e .t w w w 410 503.556.0

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Seasons Greetings

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