YEAR IN REVIEW
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
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Obituaries-A4 • Poll-A4 • Market Place-A6 • Public Notices-A6 • Church News-A7 • Dont Drink & Drive A8-9
Friday, December 27, 2019
The Chief
$1 Vol. 128, No. 33 10 Pages
Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Oregon child dies from influenza complications JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Oregon Health Authority reports an Oregon child has died after contracting influenza. “There has been one pediatric flu death so far this season,” Oregon Health Authorities lead communications officer Jonathan Modie told The Chief on Tuesday, Dec. 24. No other details about the child’s death have been released. According to Modie, the OHA doesn’t track adult flu deaths because flu deaths in adults are not nationally notifiable (e.g., required to be reported). A key reason, Modie said, is because seasonal influenza may lead to death from other causes, such as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and it has been recognized for many years that influenza is infrequently listed on death certificates and testing for seasonal influenza infections is usually not done, particularly among the elderly who are at greatest risk of seasonal influenza complications and death. “Some deaths — particularly in the elderly — are associated with secondary complications of seasonal influenza (including bacterial pneumonias),” Modie said. “Influenza virus infection may not be identified in many instances because influenza virus is only detectable for a short period of time and/or many people
Photo: Courtesy
As cases of the flu increase in the state, the Oregon Health Authority is recommending flu shots, and encourages people to take additional steps to protect themselves and their children from the virus.
don’t seek medical care until after the first few days of acute illness.” For these and other reasons, Modie said statistical modeling strategies have been used to estimate seasonal flu-related deaths for many decades. Only counting deaths where influenza was included on a death certificate would be a gross underestimation of seasonal influenza’s true impact.” Modie said the OHA doesn’t
track flu hospitalizations by county, but does monitor influenza-associated hospitalizations in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties, the Tri-County/Portland Metro area, along with reports of emergency department visits for influenza-like illness, positive flu tests as reported to the National Respiratory and Enteric virus Surveillance System, and reported flu outbreaks around the state. Modie
said the information collected gives the OHA a good sense of flu activity around the state. Modie said the timing of flu is unpredictable and can vary from season to season. “Seasonal flu viruses can be detected year-round,” he said. “However, seasonal flu activity often begins as early as October and November and can continue to occur as late as May. Flu activity most
commonly peaks between December and February.” The OHA encourages everyone to take steps to protect your families, co-workers, neighbors and community from the flu. Modie said cases of flu are on the rise across Oregon, but it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Other ways people can help prevent flu: • Stay home from work or school when you are sick and limit contact with others. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue out when you are done. • Wash hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have flu germs on them. • Avoid getting coughed and sneezed on. For parents concerned about the health safety of their children, the Center for Disease Control has helpful online tips at https://www. cdc.gov/flu/treatment/caring-forsomeone.htm. To learn more about the 2019-20 flu season, go to the CDC webpage on frequently asked questions at https://bit.ly/33dtWgY. To contact the Oregon Health Authority, call 971-673-2315. To contact the Columbia County Health Department, call 503-397-7210.
Oregon, Columbia County job growth JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent in November, the lowest on comparable records dating back to 1976, according to Oregon Employment Department economist David Cooke. The October unemployment rate was 4.0 percent, as revised from the originally reported figure of 4.1 percent. In November, Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped below 4 percent for the first time since comparable records dating back to 1976. This puts the rate slightly above the November U.S. rate of 3.5 percent. Oregon’s unemployment rate has been hovering near historical lows of near 4 percent for the past 37 months. Meanwhile, total nonfarm payroll employment shot up by 6,300 jobs in November, following an upwardly revised gain of 6,500 jobs in October. October was revised upward by 2,100 jobs. So far in 2019, monthly employment gains have averaged 2,600 jobs, which is slightly slower than in 2018 when monthly growth averaged 3,000 jobs.
Flip Side “The tight labor market, and perhaps the unusually mild and dry weather in November, seem to have influenced seasonal trends in the major industries,” Cooke said in a release. “Industries that normally shed a lot of workers during the autumn months didn’t cut back as much as normal.” In November, the following industries cut back less than normal, and therefore posted seasonally adjusted job gains: construction (+2,200 jobs), manufacturing (+1,900 jobs), and professional and business services (+1,400 jobs). “On the flip side, the tight labor market may have inhibited certain industries from hiring as many workers as normal in November.,” Cooke said. “Government and retail trade both normally add a substantial number of jobs in November, but each industry hired a few hundred jobs fewer than normal for the month.” Economic forecast According to the most recent Oregon economic and revenue forecast issued by the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis, Oregon’s job growth has slowed to gains seen in the state’s underlying population. The forecast reads in part, “For the eleventh year of expansion, such gains remain solid. Oregon’s slowdown is driven by fewer hirings and a tight labor market,
rather than an increase in layoffs. These dynamics, when combined with ongoing strong income growth keep the outlook intact. As confirmed by recently released Census data, current economic conditions in Oregon have been rarely better. The expansion endures even as risks remain elevated.” Cooke said Oregon’s over-theyear job growth of 1.6 percent closely matched the U.S. job growth of 1.5 percent. Most of Oregon’s major industries have expanded by about two percent since November 2018. The primary exception of an industry growing faster was education and health services, which grew by 9,900 jobs, or 3.3 percent. Conversely, the only major industry that contracted substantially over the past 12 months was retail trade, which cut 1,800 jobs, or -0.9 percent. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis has issued a shot term economic outlook that reads in part, “Oregon is expected to continue to see healthy job gains – a bit more than 2,000 per month or about two percent over this year and into 2020 – but the state is now past its peak growth rates for this expansion. Importantly, such gains remain strong enough to hold unemployment down and account for ongoing population growth. After these near-term job gains, supply side constraints and longerrun demographic trends weigh on growth to a larger degree. These supply side constraints include a tighter labor market, infrastructure,
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energy costs, capacity utilization and the like. The large wave of retiring Baby Boomers will weigh on job growth rates for the coming decade. There will be enough jobs overall, as the generational churn is hidden underneath the labor market’s surface.” Columbia County Oregon Employment Department regional economist Erik Knodler said Columbia County’s job growth rate tends to follow the general statewide employment trends. “But with a slightly lower growth rate,” he said. “I expect Columbia County employment to grow between .75 percent and 1 percent per year on average.” Columbia County’s November jobless rate was scheduled to be released on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment inched up by 10 jobs in October to 11,480 jobs. Columbia County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9 percent in October, unchanged from the previous month and essentially unchanged from the year before at 5.0 percent. Columbia County’s October unemployment rate was higher than the statewide rate at 4.1 percent and of the national rate at 3.6 percent. Knodler and the state employment department conducted a survey of employers’ job vacancies. The 2018 report for Northwest Oregon, including Columbia County
found employers reporting that 58 percent of vacancies were difficult to fill. According Knodler’s ‘Help Wanted in Northwest Oregon’ report, Northwest Oregon had roughly 3,400 job vacancies at any given time in 2018. “We surveyed 1,400 private employers with two or more employees.” he said. The employers gave details about each vacancy, including: • Job title • Full - or part-time status • Starting wage of salary • Educational and experience requirements Businesses also identified if their vacancies were difficult to fill and why. Of the top five on that list, the leisure and hospitality sector reported the most vacancies of any industry in 2018, followed by health care and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade and management, administrative and waste services. Half of all 57,980 job vacancies in 2018 in Oregon were in the Portland Tri-County area at 23,083. Knodler’s report found that 49 percent of all job vacancies in Northwest Oregon in 2018 paid less than $15 per hour, but the average hourly wage offered was $19.23 with 80 percent full time positions and 97 percent permanent positions. “Higher paying vacancies were more likely to require education beyond high school,” Knodler’s report said.
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March 15
March 22
Body found on Neer City Rd. identified as Rainier teen
While friends remember Sarah Zuber, investigators seek information from the public in death of 18-year-old
On March 13, 2019 at about 12:04 p.m., the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) received a call from a reporting person that she had located the body of a female on the side of Neer City Rd. in Rainier, Oregon. On Thursday morning, March 14, the CCSO identified the young woman as 18-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Zuber. Multiple units responded to the scene, including investigators from the CCSO, the St. Helens Police Department, Scappoose Police Department and the Oregon State Police. The investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story that will be updated on thechiefnews. com as new information becomes available after press time.
JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net
On Wednesday, March 13, the community of Rainier and surrounding areas were rocked by the discovery of 18-year-old Sarah Elizabeth Zuber’s body off of Highway 30 by Neer City Road. Deputies with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to the discovery of Zuber’s body with fire medics in tow around noon. Other responding units included investigators from the CCSO, St. Helens Police Department, Scappoose Police DeSarah Zuber.
Photo: GoFundMe Page
See ZUBER Page A4
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January 4 Accused killer of police chief slated for trial
Accused murderer Daniel Butts could stand trial in February of 2019. Butts allegedly killed Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter in January 2011 and has been in the custody of Oregon State Hospital (OSH) since 2012. Columbia County Circuit Court Judge Ted Grove ordered a trial begin Feb. 5, 2019. It is expected to last up to three months, according to court documents. Grove also ordered a hearing in February of 2018 to assess Butts’ abil-
ity to aid in his defense. Butt’s ability to aid in his defense has been central to proceedings. In February of 2012, Grove ordered Butts medicated at OSH for the purpose of standing trial. That order was continued and Butts has been receiving treatment at OSH since. After reviewing an evaluation report dated Sept. 15, 2017, Grove ordered Butts to remain at OSH and continue receiving treatment. He also ordered another status report
in 90 days and then every 180 days. Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier said he requested the court set a trial date in case Butts was deemed competent to stand trial. According to reports, Painter responded to a car theft call at a Rainier stereo shop and was killed with his own weapon while trying to arrest Butts. A grand jury indicted Butts on charges of aggravated murder, robbery, burglary and theft.
Friday, December 27, 2019
R eview • • March 8
2019 3A State Champions
MORRIS L. MALAKOFF chiefnews@countrymedia.net
The Clatskanie Tigers Girls Basketball team broke a 74-year dry spell for Clatskanie High School teams of bringing home a state title in any sport, Saturday, March 2, with a 40-39 win over Blanchet Catholic in the Championship game of the OSAA 3A Girls Basketball Tourna-
ment at Coos Bay. Cascade Range League Player of the Year Shelby Blodgett led the Tigers with 15 points followed by Olivia Sprague with 14. Both players were named to the State Tournament 1st All-Tournament team. Clatskanie held a 29-19 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but Blanchet came to life, scoring 20 points in the period and closing to within four points in the
final minutes. With Clatskanie in the bonus, Kaity Sizemore stepped to the foul line and sank a pair of critical free throws. Blanchet tried to keet pace with a last gasp three-pointer. A whistle sent Blodgett to the line, where her successful shots gave Clatskanie a four point margin. Blanchet dropped a last second 3-pointer to make the score 40-39, giving the Tigers a single point win and the title.
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March 22
Rainier School District Superintendent’s house burns JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net
Rainier School District Superintendent Michael Carter confirmed today that his home in Rainier, Oregon caught fire the evening of Saturday, March 16. According to Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR), firefighters responded to Carter’s home in the 30000 block of Maple Street at around 7:32 p.m. Upon arrival, fighters found the 2,700 square-foot-home on fire. CRFR was able to contain the fire within about 25 minutes, revealing around
40 percent of the home was damaged. “Damage was primarily contained to the first floor,” CRFR said in a press release on Facebook. “No one was injured and no one was home at the time of the fire. The homeowners are staying with friends until their insurance company assists with the claim.” Carter said he and his wife were attending a play in Portland when the blaze began and does not know what caused the fire. “We’re devastated,” Carter said, adding they had lost a host of valuable items collected on their travels around the world.
Responding agencies included CRFR, Scappoose Fire District (SFD), Clatskanie Fire District (CFD) and Longview Fire. CRFR brought one engine and a Basic Life Support ambulance, SFD brought utility for rehab and their chief, CFD brought two engines, and Longview Fire brought one engine. A total of 20 personnel responded to the incident and law enforcement was also on scene. The estimated cost of damages in losses at the home are estimated at $400,022. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Photo: Tony Cole
The home of Rainier School District Superintendent Michael Carter in flames.
Morris L. Malakoff/The Chief
The aftermath of the fire. CRFR has not announced a cause but puts the loss at $400,000.
April 26
Last Day: Clatskanie senior clerk retiring
Jeremy C. Ruark/The Chief
Alice Belden has served as the Clatskanie Clerk for the past 11 years. She retires on Friday, April 26. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Alice Belden is looking forward to spending time with her three daughters and eight grandchildren. Belden, Clatskanie’s Senior Clerk, retires on April 26, after serving the city for the past 11 years. “I was hired in February of 2008 as a temporary employee and went to fulltime as general clerk in May,” she said. “I was promoted to senior clerk in 2015.” Over the years, Belden said the most challenging part of her job has been electronics. “Just keeping up with the change in software and other computer changes,” she said. The hardest part of Belden’s job as the city clerk, has been ordering city customer utility shutoff notices.
“It has been like a big family. It is bittersweet to leave.” ~ Alice Belden “I had to tell people we have to shut off the water for nonpayment,” she said. “That has been difficult.” Belden said, while she is happy to be retiring, she will miss the interaction at city hall. “I get attached to people and seeing them move on and saying goodbye has been hard,” she said. Belden has been training Stacey Baker, will take her place as general clerk. “I just tell her to keep a positive attitude,” Belden said. The pay range for the City of Clatskanie general clerk is from $16 to $25 an hour. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hickelman said Belden will leave a legacy at city hall. “She has done everything and really made a difference,” he said. “She has the best customer service skills than anybody I have seen in my professional career.” To honor Belden, the City of Clatskanie has scheduled a public retirement reception open house from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 24, at Clatskanie City Hall, 75 S Nehalem St. in Clatskanie. For more information, call 503-728-2622.
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ZUBER From Page A1 partment, and Oregon State Police. Her remains were reportedly found by a family member The cause of Zuber’s death remains unclear for now, though investigators have confirmed that she was found with no visible injuries to her body. The medical examiner has yet to release a cause of death, and Sheriff Brian Pixley said he could not comment on whether or not foul play was suspected given the investigation is ongoing. The CCSO is requesting the assistance of the public in helping to determine what happened to Zuber. Investigators believe the “incident” which resulted in the teen’s death is believed to have occurred in the area of the intersection of Neer City Road and Nick Thomas Road in the Rainier area. The incident is believed to have occurred during the late evening hours of Tuesday, March 12 and the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 13. “We are looking for anyone that might have seen Sarah walking the night of
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March 22 March 12 or the early morning hours of the 13th. We are also looking for places Sarah liked to frequent in the area,” Pixley said. “We are looking for anyone who might have a camera that records Neer City Road or anyone that has noticed anything out of the ordinary in that area. I also want to urge anyone that might have any information to come forward. In cases like this, anything might help. So, when in doubt, please call.” Anyone with information surrounding Zuber’s death is asked to call the CCSO’s non-emergency dispatch number at 503-397-1521, or on the tip line for the Columbia Enforcement Narcotics Team at 503-397-1167. You can also submit information through the CCSO’s website, under “Submit a Tip.” Remembering Sarah According to a Gofundme page set up to help Zuber’s family with expenses in the wake of her death, Zuber was born Feb. 1, 2001 and was excited to start classes at the University of Portland this year. She was a daughter to “very hard-working parents” and was a big sister to two younger twin-sisters and a younger brother. The
Photo: Eleanor Pierce
Eleanor Pierce with Zuber.
page states she “loved life, her family, her animals, her church and her Lord.” Close friend and former Grocery Outlet co-worker Eleanor Pierce, who ran cross-country with Zuber in high school, said the teen was not only a talented artist, but a friendly, genuine person. “She was always so friendly to everyone. She put others before herself almost 99 percent of the time. Anything you needed from her, she
would have it,” Pierce said. “I could introduce her to anyone and she would just be friends with them instantly.” Pierce said she and other friends were encouraging Zuber to go to school for art – to do what she loved in life. In recounting Zuber’s kind nature, Pierce recalled a time she’d had a bad day at work. “She’d come in and be like, ‘Let me get you some candy. Let me get you this or that.’ She was just so kind. She was amazing,” Pierce said. To honor Zuber’s memory, Pierce is collecting red beanie hats and asking for donations to purchase some in bulk so that they can be handed out at upcoming services. “She wore this red beanie every day. It was her favorite hat,” Pierce said. “I told her, “Sarah, you look so adorable in that hat.” And she was like, “Yeah, man, it’s my favorite beanie. It’s my favorite hat.’” One day, Zuber showed up to work without her favorite hat, having lost it somewhere. Pierce said Zuber was crushed. “I told her I’d replace it, that I’d find her a new one, but I never got to,” Pierce said. “I feel like everyone wearing it will show her family that we know Sarah, we know who she was, and I feel like the red beanies will
just show that Sarah is still with us.” Currently, Pierce and her former Grocery Outlet co-workers are pitching in $3 each and are asking the public to do the same. Those donations can be dropped off at the Rainier Grocery Outlet, where the owner is keeping a tally of names of those who’ve donated. “I’m also asking for donations of red beanies, if you have one just lying around. I’ll pass them out maybe at the candlelight vigil,” Pierce said. “As soon as we get all of our donations, we’ll make a big purchase and hopefully they’ll get here in time for her services.” The candlelight vigil in honor of Zuber was held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Rainier City Park. An estimated 250 people attended the vigil to honor Zuber’s memory. The event included a sermon and two speakers, as well as music and the lighting of candles, followed by a balloon release. Songs played at the event included “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” and “Amazing Grace.” If you were unable to attend, you can find video of Zuber’s vigil on The Chief’s Facebook page. Rainier Jr./Sr. High School
released the following statement regarding Zuber’s death: “We are heartbroken to hear of the loss of this community member. Sarah Zuber was a local home-schooled student who participated in track and cross-country athletics here at Rainier Jr. Sr. High School from middle school to 9th grade though she did not attend our schools. The school counselor and assistant principal have been meeting with individual students impacted by this loss throughout the morning. School staff were first notified of a death in the community first thing this morning and then held a stand-up meeting as soon as her name was released by the media. Columbia County Mental Health has also been present in our building to support staff and students. Rainier School District stands ready to support the Zuber family during this most difficult time.” Ultimately, Pierce said she wanted people to live for Zuber. “People need to live for her – they need to do things they love in the name of her because she didn’t get the chance,” Pierce said. “Don’t take your life for granted and do things that you love because she never go the chance to do those things.”
April 5
Local woman honored with Everyday Hero award from Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie selected Susan Sherman to receive their Everyday Hero award and honored their recipient at the club’s night of recognition at 6:15 p.m. on April 2 at Fultano’s restaurant in Clatskanie, located at 770 E Columbia River Hwy. Taylor Kissinger, President of the Kiwanis Club of Clatskanie, said that the Everyday Hero award is given away by the club every once in a while, “to someone who has gone above and beyond to give to their community.” The award is from Kiwanis Pacific Northwest District Division 42 and is presented by the division lieutenant governor, Linda Kissinger. “It’s a big deal, and it’s a really nice way to say thank you,” Taylor Kissinger said. Kissinger said that a lot of Sherman’s work takes place behind the scenes in her role as Treasurer for Turning Point Community Service Center. While many people
in Clatskanie might know Turning Point as the city’s food bank, the center also provides additional help and resources for low-income people. “Susan’s been very involved with the underprivileged,” Kissinger said. “She’s the one that keeps Turning Point on track as Treasurer.” Kissinger added that while directors come and go, Sherman has been committed to the organization, consistently satisfying needs in the community throughout the years. Monica Hastings, who works at Umpqua Bank with Sherman, said that Sherman has been working with Turning Point for almost 20 years and has organized a long list of fundraisers to benefit the non-profit. The list includes things like mystery dinners, father-daughter dances, bake sales, pancake breakfasts, auctions, and even a fashion show featuring male models wearing women’s clothes. The fashion show might be the best example of Sherman’s fundraising-organizing talent, Hastings said.
Photo: Taylor Kissinger
Kiwanis Division 42 Lieutenant Governor Linda Kissinger presents an Everyday Hero award to Susan Sherman.
“You got to be pretty slick to talk some of these men into doing stuff like that,” Hastings said. “They all dressed in drag because she asked them to.” But Sherman does even more work behind the
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scenes, Hastings said, a lot of it in the form of writing grants. For example, in the past six years, Sherman has written five grants for Turning point, totaling over $27,000. These funds aid Turning
said. Sherman has done so many hours of volunteering that she has been nominated every year to be in the top tier for all of Umpqua Bank employees, Hastings said. According to Hastings, Sherman has been in the top ten volunteers in the entire company for the past four years, enabling Sherman to receive an additional thousand-dollar donation which she has donated to Turning Point. Sherman has also been nominated for the last four years as Volunteer of the Year for Clatskanie. Sherman said that winning her award was overwhelming, but also flattering. “It was just very, very nice,” she said. She did not make a speech, “because I don’t do that,” she said, but she thanked everybody for being there. After 42 years with Umpqua Bank, Sherman is set to retire on Aug. 23. Sherman will also retire from the Chamber of Commerce, but will not retire from being Treasurer of Turning Point.
•O bituaries • • Edna Mae Armstrong
Catherine Dohr
March 3, 1927 ~ Dec. 23, 2019 Catherine Dohr, 92, of Clatskanie passed away on Dec. 23, 2019 in Clatskanie.
The Chief
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Point’s operations, which are listed on their website as energy assistance, gas stipends for doctor appointments, prescription assistance, housing payment assistance, and emergency food boxes. Hastings thinks that Sherman’s role as Treasurer motivates her to do all her volunteer work. “I think because she’s the Treasurer, she sees the financial need more than anybody else,” Hastings said. “That sense of urgency just radiates through her.” It is not just Turning Point to which Sherman devotes her time. Sherman has also volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce, the March of Dimes, and Meals on Wheels. Umpqua Bank, where Sherman works, offers its employees up to 40 hours of paid volunteer time through its Connect program. According to Hastings, Sherman has already fulfilled those hours for the year. “She cleared all 40 hours in the months of January and February alone,” Hastings
June 26, 1930 ~ Dec. 19, 2019 Edna Mae Armstrong, 89, of Rainier, passed away on Dec. 19, 2019.
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May 17
Thorud resigns as Clatskanie Elementary School principal
File photo
Brad Thorud has resigned as the principal at Clatskanie Elementary School. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Clatskanie Elementary School Principal Brad Thorud has submitted his resignation to the Clatskanie School Board. During its regular meeting on Monday night, May 13, the board accepted the letter of resignation. “I believe it was a hard decision for him and he is going to be sorely missed as the leader in that building,” Clatskanie School Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said. Thorud told The Chief he would make an announcement about his future plans in June and he declined to explain the reason behind his resignation. Clatskanie School Board Vice Chair Kathy Engel said Thorud’s decision to resign was a difficult choice and he made it for personal reasons. “As a member of a Board
that holds Brad and his abilities in very high regard we are saddened by his resignation,” Engel said. “But we also accepted his resignation with great gratitude for the programs he has very successfully put in place at CES and the skilled and valuable staff and systems he leaves behind.”
“As a member of a Board that holds Brad and his abilities in very high regard we are saddened by his resignation.” Kathy Engel, Clatskanie School Board vice chair Engel said the search is on to find a new principal for Clatskanie Elementary School who will continue to
develop and build the systems Thorud has already put in place - specifically the RIT (Response to Intervention) in reading and math, the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) program and a principal with a commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and strong instructional leadership. “Basically, someone that can take our current CES and maintain what has been put in place but add their own personality and experience to it as well,” Engel said. “When that person is found, we as a district also have an obligation to support and allow the new principal to lead in their own personal way and continue to guide our dedicated staff in providing the best grade school education pos-
sible for the K-6 children of Clatskanie.” Thorud is expected to complete this current school year before departing, according to Hurowitz, who added that because the resignation is a personnel matter, specific details have not been released by the school district. Hurowitz said the district has posted the job with an unspecified salary range. “It is an administrative position as an elementary school principal,” Hurowitz said. History A special meeting was held by Clatskanie School District Board on June 6, 2018 to formalize the agreement for Thorud’s continued employment with the district after he met with school
board members and Interim Superintendent Jim Carlile. Thorud’s contract remained as it was prior to a February vote against his renewal by a previous school board. Following the 3-2 vote against renewal, an outpouring of community support and activism propelled Thorud to the local spotlight. Students and parents marched through town to call attention to the situation. A citizen committee began an investigation into the matter, and signs in support of Thorud began to spring up around town. Read more in a series of articles about Thorud and follow this developing story online at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday editions of The Chief.
June 7
Clatskanie wins 3A OSAA Softball Title JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
The Clatskanie Middle High School Softball Team is the 3A OSAA State Softball Champions after defeating Dayton 10-5 in a thrilling contest on Friday, May 31. Clatskanie entered the contest, at the University of Oregon in Eugene, ranked the top seed following an undefeated 26 game season. The Lady Tigers took the lead 3-0 in the beginning of the championship game, only to slip behind in the middle the competition. But Clatskanie came back strong to take the game 10-5 and claim the 2019 championship title. Coach Kevin Sprague said as team began to struggle he told the players to remember to maintain composure. “I told them if we just do what we have been doing all season long we will come out on this OK,” Sprague said.
“This is about everything we have preached all year long. We got to an inning where we were a little bit tight defensively, but we got to the bats and swung ourselves out of that.” Sprague said the victory was an entire team process. “I told them if they just get back into character it will come back, and it did,” he said. “You cannot be prouder of those kids,” he said. “We calmed down and we got through this.” “We just needed to relax and play our best. That was our plan all season,” Clatskanie Middle High School Softball Team member Shelby Blodgett said. “We are a great team. We work well with each other. We just followed our plan.” Shelby said the victory showed her anything is possible. “We really thought it was so hard to get here,” she said.
“We did it in basketball, so I think getting it done this year gives us a big standard for next year.” Sprague said the sports program is all about teaching students life lessons. “These are life lessons that the kids are learning,” he said. “This game is a memory for life, but more importantly for 27 times we have forced ourselves to go about our business. They can take that with them when they go to math class, any class, or when they go to work. It is a process that they trusted. This just validates everything that we have been doing.” Sprague said the championship will also give the team confidence into the next season. “They are going to know, and they are going to believe,” he said. “And my job is going to be the easiest on the face of the planet.”
June 14
Drug bust nets 2 arrests, $3,000
Based on the quantity of drugs and cash, both were charged with unlawful delivery.
Jeremy C. Ruark/The Chief
The Clatskanie Middle High School Softball Team players and coaches are the 2019 3A OSAA State Softball Champions after defeating Dayton 10-5 on Friday, May 31, in Eugene.
June 21
‘A’ Street Project to start
Photo: CCSO
JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net
Two Rainier residents face criminal charges following a police investigation that led to the seizure of half a pound of methamphetamine, 16 ounces of heroin and $3,000 in cash. The drug bust unfolded in Rainier on June 5, after Rainier Police received a tip from Longview Police that a male and female were possibly in possession of a large quantity of drugs and were staying at the Rainier Budget Inn, located in the 100 block of A Street. Rainier Police officers located the suspects’ vehicle with two suspects inside, 23-yearold Brendon Kyle Dahl and 24year old Bethany Belle Friant, both of Rainier. The two had fugitive warrants for their arrest
Drawings courtesy of ODOT
These are the ODOT conceptual drawings of the Rainier A Street Improvement Project. JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net Brendon Kyle Dahl and Bethany Belle Friant.
from another state. Officers called in the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) for assistance, and investigators from both agencies on scene were able to spot the butt of a firearm beneath a seat in the car, and a scale in the back seat. The CCSO immediately wrote a search warrant and
CCB#168100
Full Service Electrical “Doing business since 2005”
Photo: CCSO
had it signed by a judge to search the vehicle. During the search, investigators located a firearm, registered to Dahl, the scale, half a pound of meth, 16 ounces of heroin and approximately $3,000 in cash, according to Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley. Based on the quantity of drugs found, the cash, the scale, and plastic baggies found in the suspects’ vehicle, Pixley said both Dahl and Friant were charged with unlawful delivery of meth and heroin. Dahl was lodged in the Columbia County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of heroin, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, unlawful delivery of heroin, and as a felon in possession of a weapon. Friant was lodged in the Columbia County jail on charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of heroin, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine, and unlawful delivery of heroin.
Work is expected to begin the week of June 24 at the site of the $12.2 million Rainier A Street Improvement Project. According to Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) spokesman Lou Torres, work on the railroad tracks will begin first with the roadway portion of the project expected to start in August. “We don’t expect a lot of delays,” he said. “It will be a typical construction zone with occasional lane closures, flaggers moving traffic around and less space for traffic to maneuver around.” ODOT released new conceptual drawings of the improvement project during an open house on Tuesday, June 18, at Rainier City Hall, that attracted about 45 people. Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole said the project has been in the works in one form or the other since 2003. “I am happy to see it moving ahead,” Cole said. “I think it will come together as we planned. We have had many public meetings
and what we are coming to is exactly what came out of those meetings. Safety is our number one concern done there.” Along an eight-block section of downtown Rainier, an active rail line bisects the city’s main street and operates closely with vehicle traffic, pedestrians and bicycles creating a variety of safety hazards. “Currently, with cars, trucks, pedestrians and trains coming together in Rainier, there are conflicts and people could be hurt or killed when that occurs,” Torres said. “The broad expanse of asphalt on B Street and presence of trains is a dangerous situation. The planned safety improvements include: • Realigning the rail tracks, including “day-lighting” the tracks to eliminate the asphalt road surface over the track and exposing the railroad ties and aggregate base. • Constructing curb and gutter to physically separate the rail line from all other modes of travel.
• Improving railroad safety by adding new crossing gates. • Constructing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalks, adding filtered storm water collection for the roadway and railroad, new street lighting and upgrading city utilities. Torres said the A Street improvements are specifically designed to significantly improve safety in downtown Rainier. “By separating the railroad tracks from the other modes of transportation, such as cars, pedestrians, bikes, etc. and adding new crossing gates,” he said. “Also, by constructing American with Disabilities (ADA) compliant sidewalks, new storm water collection and new street lighting along with upgrading utilities. We are excited about finally moving ahead on this project that will make it much safer for everyone.” Bids were expected to open on June 20 to select the contractors for the improvement project. Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
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NOW OPEN Clatskanie Tan LLC. Located 133 SW 2nd Street Clatskanie. Next door to Hair Place. Call for appointment 503-7919664. Walk-ins welcome. Also looking for nail tech for salon. Call for more information. LICENSED – BONDED INSURED CCB#218192
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Public Notices CC19-1132
TS No. OR07000141-19-1 APN 24851 TO No 191130963-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, WANDA SMITH as Grantor to TICOR TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for EAGLE HOME MORTGAGE, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of October 21, 2011 and recorded on October 25, 2011 as Instrument No. 2011-007899 and the beneficial interest was assigned to EAGLE HOME MORTGAGE, LLC and recorded October 25, 2019 as Instrument Number 201908931 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon to-wit: APN: 24851 THAT PORTION OF THE NORTH HALF OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 10, TOWNSHIP 5 NORTH, RANGE 4 WEST OF
THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON, LYING NORTHEASTERLY OF THE NEHALEM RIVER AND WHICH LIES WESTERLY OF THAT TRACT CONVEYED TO EDGAR A. CUMMINGS ET AL BY DEED RECORDED JUNE 27, 1968 IN BOOK 169, PAGE 733 DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. EXCEPTING THEREFROM THAT PORTION, IF ANY, OF THE CLARK AND WILSON LUMBER COMPANY RAILROAD COMPANY DESCRIBED IN DEED FROM NOBLE DUNLAP TO THE CLARK AND WILSON LUMBER COMPANY OF DELAWARE RECORDED MAY 5, 1932 IN BOOK 54, PAGE 247, DEED RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. TOGETHER WITH THE NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENTS DESCRIBED IN DOCUMENTS RECORDED FEBRUARY 22, 1971 IN BOOK 180, PAGE 326, DEED
RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON AND IN A DEED RECORDED AUGUST 11, 1992, INSTRUMENT NO. 925765 AND IN DEED RECORDED AUGUST 11, 1992, INSTRUMENT NO. 92-5766, OFFICIAL RECORDS OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. Commonly known as: 64511 NEHALEM HWY NORTH, VERNONIA, OR 97064 Both the Beneficiary, Eagle Home Mortgage, LLC, 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): 6 Monthly Payment(s) from 06/01/2019 to 11/01/2019 at $2,160.39 Monthly Late Charge(s): 1 Monthly Late Charge(s) 11/13/2019 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared
CC19-1155
all obligations secured by Hoarder’s Paradise! said Trust Deed immediately 20 sizes, Inexpensive dueRV and payable, said sums Storage, Hand beingtrucks, the following, to-wit: Locks, The sum ofInsulated, $139,404.34 Fully-lined, together with interest Condensation free, thereon atlit.the rate of all units On-site 4.50000% per annum from Manager May 1, 2019 until paid; 503 plus all 728-2051 accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s 503 369-6503 fees, foreclosure costs and anyVisa/MC/Amex sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on March 30, 2020 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest
acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without 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: 11/13/2019 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 949-252-8300Order Number 66597, Pub Dates: 12/27/2019, 01/03/2020, 01/10/2020, 01/17/2020, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF
CC19-1153
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF WESTPORT-WAUNA FIRE DISTRICT OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY Probate Department In against the estate are required additional information from the Matter of the Estate of MARTHA SUE DAVIS, Deceased. No. 19PB09283 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims
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
the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published December 27, 2019. Debra Kaye White, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
The following vehicles have been declared surplus, and the public is invited to place bids. 1985 Ford Ambulance. VIN# 1FDKE30M7KHB94492. Minimum bid $1,000, 1989 Chevrolet Brush truck VIN#1GDHR34J7KJ
507886 Minimum bid $1,000, 1982 Seagrave Fire Engine VIN#1F9EV28H1CCST 2092 Minimum bid $2,000. Sealed bids must be received by 5 PM on Jan 8, 2020. Bids will be opened at our regular
board meeting that night and the vehicles will be sold to the highest bidder. Bidder must make payment in full by 5 PM Jan 15, 2020. For more information and pictures, please email mailto:wfdortraining@ gmail.com.
July 12 CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The City of Rainier will host the annual Rainier Days in the Park festival this weekend, July 12-14. According to Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole, the festival has been going on “in one form or another” for the past 50 years. Usually the week after the Fourth of July, “It’s a way for the community to come together and have a good time. Our goal has always been about family fun,” Cole said. While Cole will be participating in the parade, and designed the Rainier Days logo this year, he is not participating in the festival on the city’s behalf. “I just happen to be involved in a lot of the stuff in the city, and this is just one of them. It’s a separate agency,” Cole said. Information about the festival is available on the Rainier Days in the Park information page on Facebook. The festival will start at 3 p.m. on Friday with a music performance by Ray Prestegard, and will continue with a Pro Wrestling match,
Rainier Days in the Park
Photo: Sophia Phipps
Photo: Rainier Days in the Park staff
Fireworks from last year’s Rainier Days hover over the Ferris Wheel.
The Ferris Wheel from the carnival at last year’s Rainier Days.
followed by a music performance from the Poison tribute band, Poison’us. On Saturday, there will be a parade at 10 a.m. Because of the construction on A Street, the starting point for the parade will be on East 3rd Street. There will also be many other live music performances and fireworks at
a worship service in the morning,” Cole said. The event will culminate with a concert with Jake Hamilton on Sunday at 5 p.m. Throughout the weekend, there will be food and craft vendors as well as a carnival with up to 16 rides, Cole said. While festival-goers will
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the end of the evening. Sunday is a little bit different from the previous two days, according to Cole. “Sunday, we switch gears and we have praise in the park. The local churches that want to partake come together and do some events and have some Christian music, and they have
have to purchase food if they want to buy from vendors, and tickets for any of the carnival rides, the rest of the event is not ticketed, according to Cole. “You could truly come down, pack your own lunch, and not have to pay anything. We’ve always been proud of that,” Cole said.
Rainier Days in the Park is an independent organization that is not funded by the city. Instead, the festival is funded through sponsors, vendor income, and carnival income, according to Cole. The city also benefits financially in other ways. “It’s truly a signature event for a lot of non-profit and fundraising groups to come in. It kind of puts a shot in the arm for restaurants and brings some people into town,” Cole said. The people who run the event are all volunteers. Cole said there are eight key executive volunteers, as well as 40 other volunteers who all assist at different time slots. “This event wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated sponsors and our dedicated volunteers. It’s a truly volunteer-run event and it wouldn’t be possible without them,” Cole said. “We hope people come and have a good time.” For more information about Rainier Days in the Park, check out their website, https://www.rainierdaysinthepark.com/, or their Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/RainierDaysinThepark/.
www.thechiefnews.com
Friday, December 27, 2019
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July 19
New principal at Clatskanie Elementary to Southern Oregon University (SOU) and got my license to teach, and then I went to Portland State University and I got my educational administrator license and my master’s degree, an MS in Educational Leadership. After that, I went to SOU for continuing education. “I was a middle school teacher, and I started out in Grants Pass, Oregon for one year. Then I was a middle school teacher in Beaverton, Oregon. Then I became a teacher on special assignment for Reynolds School District in Fairview, Oregon. Then I became an assistant principal in Eagle Point School District, Oregon. Then I was a principal at K-8 schools in Shady Cove, Oregon. Then I was a part-time administrator at an alternative school in Eagle Point. Then I was an assistant principal at the same school for two years. For the last five years, I’ve been an elementary school principal at a K-6 elementary school in Oakridge School District in Oakridge, Oregon. “Altogether, it’s been eight years of being a
CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Clatskanie Elementary School has a new principal. Tiffany O’Donnell was hired to fill the position on July 1, according to an email from Cathy Hurowitz, Clatskanie School District Superintendent. The former principal, Brad Thorud, resigned on May 13 of this year, as The Chief previously reported. The Chief talked with O’Donnell about her background and her plans for the future as the new principal. 1. Can you briefly describe your educational and career background? “I went to Lewis and Clark College my first year out of high school, then I moved to Warrenton, and I had my first child with my husband, and then we moved to northern California. There, I attended Solano Community College, then I transferred to UC Davis, and I got a BA in psychology. I moved to southern Oregon and went
Photo: Tiffany O’Donnell
Tiffany O’Donnell became the new school principal for Clatskanie Elementary on July 1.
middle school teacher, and 15 years of being an administrator.” 2. How is Clatskanie different from other school districts where you’ve taught? How is it similar? “It’s similar in that it’s a small school district. Oakridge was smaller. It’s also rural. Oakridge was rural, so was Shady Cove. I’ve spent most of my career in rural communities in Oregon. The differences
July 26 Clatskanie Festival gears up for fourth year Clatskanie’s Festival is coming back for its fourth year on the weekend of August 2. According to Steve and Lori Sherman, the event is for “the community and neighboring cities to come together and let the light of hope shine as we celebrate with family and friends.” The festival is hosted by both the American Legion Auxiliary Louis Larsen Unit
#68 and Piercing Arrow Private School. Highlighted events include free food on Friday night, a 5K Glow in the Dark run/ walk, free movie in the park featuring Disney’s Christopher Robin, a pet parade, cookie contest, cake walk, Night Light parade with the “Grand Marshal” consisting of any and all Veterans and Auxiliary members, free swimming, over
Historic
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Sunday Dec. 29, 2019 Pastor John Thomas Pastor: Erik Huget St. John the Baptist Clatskanie Baptist Church Old Testament Reading: Catholic Church 415 South Nehalem St., 503-728Isaiah 63: 7-9 100 SW High Street, 503-556-5641 2304. Senior Pastor Kirk Bennett times New Testament Reading:25196 Alston GreatRoad Vow Zen Monastery OR • Rainier, ClatskanieGood Presbyterian Church at the Matthew 2: 13-23 79640 Quincy-Mayger Road, d 215 SouthROLL Nehalem Street • 503-556-9753 Open dailyClatskanie, at 11AMOregon Sermon Title: An Abundance of 97016 Clatskanie, OR 97016 Love Sunday Morning Program 10am Phone: 503-728-2300 Adult Bible Study will be held at 9:15 503-728-0654 Clatskanie Presbyterian Church is a.m. in the Fireside Room Faith Lutheran Church a community of Christian faith that LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 1010 5th Street, Clatskanie, Oregon expressesMusic a relationship with• God, & Magic Fridays Mayger-Downing & Saturdays Community Church 97016. 503-728-4604 and the Holy Spirit for everyone Cold Beer • Micro-Brews • Good Food Good times 80071 Life Lane, 503-728-2305 Pastor - Mary Anthony individually and collectively.
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“Why I’m really excited about CES is, it’s kind of like you’re a cook and you’re coming into the kitchen, and you look around in the kitchen, and you’re like, “wow, the kitchen in Clatskanie is pretty awesome.” The early release means I’m going to have some time to prepare this meal. When I look in the cupboard, everything is there, caring parents and
staff. The opportunity is just really exciting here.” 5. What do you think will be the biggest challenges? “I know that there were some difficulties about a year ago, there was a lot of dissension in the district about the school and about the leadership, and I have experienced a lot of that. There was a very similar experience in Oakridge. When I came in [to Oakridge], the community was upset that the last elementary school principal was leaving. There had been that rift in relationships. What I really love doing is building relationships. I think I can do the same thing here again.” 6. Is there anything else you’d like to add? “I’m so grateful for how kind and wonderful everyone has been. Everyone’s been super awesome about welcoming me and making me feel like a welcome member of the community. Everyone’s been really nice.“
September 6
Port approves NEXT Ground Lease
Christine Menges/The Chief
Port commissioners approve the lease at their port commission meeting, held at the Clatskanie Cultural Center.
Pixley. there are no disciplinary Meet your friends and relax Pixley said the actions being taken. atmove thistoclassic neighborhood place Corrections Officer The sheriff said he has watering hole! Sgt. Carolyn Townsend appointed an acting jail and Jail Commander Cpt. commander to fill Weaver’s Tony Weaver on leave was spot in the interim. prompted by two sepaPixley said the comrate complaints the office plaints are being taken serireceived. He said there is ously and more information no criminal investigation will be released pending a underway, and currently, personnel investigation.
Good times • ROLL at the
d
“First, I want to work with the staff to help us define, or re-define, what is their vision, and with our community, what is the vision that this community has for our elementary students? So that defines our mission. Then, start developing our plan to
4. What are you most looking forward to?
For more information, visit clatskaniefestival.com or call Lori Sherman at 360-4317910.
Two CCSO officials placed on administrative leave Two members of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) have been placed on administrative leave for unrelated issues due to personnel matters, according to Sheriff Brian
3. What are your goals as the principal?
improve our math scores. Spend some time looking at the research to see what steps we should make for improvement. A lot of that is going to come from our planning time, our early release time. And keep focusing on standards, defining it really clearly, having common assessments during the year. What are we going to do when kids can do it, what are we going to do when they can’t do it? It really gets down to the nitty gritty of planning and instruction. We’ll figure out where are they struggling, and what can we do to help kids get there?”
30 vendors, lawn mower races, church service, memorial ceremony and more. The parade coordinator is asking that there be no parking on Nehalem Street after 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, due to the Night Light parade.
November 1
JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net
are the school days, which are five days a week here. I came from a four-daysa-week school. I’m really excited for five days a week, because I think that’s what’s better for our students. We have five shorter days, rather than four really long days. We also have early release here. That gives us uninterrupted time in our schedule to do planning. It’s a K-6. CES has a gorgeous, well-supported stocked library, which I think is really important. I think that’s going to help with our push to improve our literacy. I think that the district staff and the school staff that I’ve met are really kind, welcoming, hardworking educators, and I’m excited to work with them.”
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of documentation from private lenders and an absence of a deadline for financial support to be in place. He also said he The Port of Columbia thought an 80-year lease was County has approved the too long. Additionally, Bubl ground lease for NEXT. mentioned concerns about In a vote of three in favor the construction of the facility Good times and two opposed, at their resulting in road problems ROLL at the Wednesday, Sept. 4 commisas well as the location of the sion meeting, port commisfacility being in an earthquakesioners approved a ground prone area. Bubl listed his lease for NEXT Renewable final concern as being a lack of Fuels Oregon, LLC, a biofuels funds to cover damages in the plant, to construct a biofuels event of an oil spill. facility at Port Westward. Commissioner Ward supPort commissioners also ported her vote against the approved a memorandum of lease by saying she thought the agreement with NEXT, manrisk was too high. dating the facility will not take “We have taken risks at advantage of any tax breaks Port Westward in the past and from the Enterprise Zone they have proven not to be as ENTERTAINMENT whereLIVE the facility is located, attractive as we had hoped Music & Magic • Fridays & Saturdays meaning they will pay propthey would be, and sometimes erty taxes from the• beginning Cold Beer Micro-Brews proven • GoodtoFood be a total failure,” of operations. Video Poker • Keno Ward said. ETERSEN LARKE LLC LARKE According Scratch-Its toETERSEN its website, Ward then referredLLC to Com• Pool • Darts NEXT Renewable FuelsAturns missioner Keyser’s past comt t o r n e y s A t t o r n e y s Milepost 41 recycled organic materials ment on that Hwyhe 30gave the project a into renewable biofuels. Lou 51 percent (503) 556-4120 (503) 556-4120 70255 Columbia • Rainier, chance OR of survival, Soumas is the presidentRiver and Hwysaying, “When we have a director of the company. commissioner who wants this Commissioners Larry Columbia County’s Premier Columbia County’s Premier project more than any of us on Ericksen, Robert Keyser and the board saying that he gives Personal Injury Attorneys Personal Attorneys Chris Iverson voted for the Injury it an 50/50 chance of surviving, L i c e n se d in O r e go & W a sh in gto n L i c e n se d in O r e go n & W a sh in gto n lease, while Commissioners I think that is too big a risk to Nancy Ward and Chip Bubl take.” voted against. Some port commission“The port has, as I can see, ers responded to Bubl’s no dollars at risk,” Commisand Ward’s comments and sioner Keyser said. He added concerns. Iverson said a lot that if the project with NEXT of Bubl’s concerns were due did not work out, NEXT to him being a new commiswould still have to pay their sioner. rent per the 8AM terms of their OPEN DAILY “If we approve this ETERSENground LARKE LLC ETERSEN LARKE LLC lease. lease, [Soumas] still Homemade Soupswe • will Salads “If they leave, have has a thousand hoops to A t t o r n e y s A t t o r n e y s Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner aGood pot of money jumpBurgers through,” Iverson said. timesto decidethehow Best to move on and market “There’s every regulatory (503) 556-4120 (503) 556-4120 ROLL at the in the Area Daily Specials property to the next [tenant],” agency in our state and our Keyser Halibut said. federal government that he Serving Accidents •Personal Injury Injury •Wrongful Death Accidents •Personal •Wrongful all port commissioners would have to comply Death with and Not Cod agreed with Keyser, Iverson that are much more versed at Fish & Chips andGood Ericksen.times No Fee Fee Until Until Recovery these types of things than the No Recovery ROLL at the Full Commissioner Bar Bubl voted five of us sitting up here.” gonn && W Waash sh ingto gtonn re-stated he was against the lease and read OOrreeout go in Iverson a list of 12 concerns to support confident in his approval of the FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION CONSULTATION FREE INITIAL his vote. He listed concerns lease. about the financial backing of “I think we’ve done more the project including a lack due diligence on this project ofLIVE knowledge surrounding than we’ve ever done with ENTERTAINMENT affiliates the project, a lack anybody,” Iverson said. Music &ofMagic • Fridays & Saturdays CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
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Keyser also said his 51 percent chance comment was not based on Soumas’ past projects, but on all the projects that have tried to site at Port Westward. “That’s the highest number I’ve ever given anybody,” Keyser said. The Sept. 4 vote is the latest development since NEXT first signed an Option to Lease Agreement in September of last year. Since then, the controversial project has been the subject of multiple port meetings, as well as an open house that NEXT held in July of this year at the Clatskanie Cultural Center Ballroom to educate the public about its operations. NEXT has stated it will bring more than 200 jobs to Columbia County and has also stated it will not be using rail for operations. Because they will not be benefiting from the Enterprise Zone tax break, they will also be contributing to the tax base for public entities such as schools that derive their funding from that source. Members of the public and port commissioners alike have highlighted those two points as positives for the project. Some constituents and other entities, notably the environmental group Columbia Riverkeeper, have expressed concerns. At the Sept. 4 meeting, Kate Murphy, a representative from Columbia Riverkeeper, listed environmental concerns the group has about the project, namely questions Riverkeeper believes the port has not addressed. Among concerns such as whether or not a pipeline would be required for natural gas at the facility, Murphy listed Soumas’ involvement with the TransMessis Columbia Plateau facility, which was involved in a 2015 environmental cleanup lawsuit. “Riverkeeper is concerned that NEXT Energy has offered contradictory information to public agencies about their involvement in the TransMessis Columbia Plateau facility,” Murphy said. Soumas also spoke briefly, saying the ground lease approval would be the start of the process for the facility. “We will work very closely with the community through the next phase of this, which is permitting,” Soumas said.
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Friday, December 27, 2019
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
Driving under the influence
Drinking responsibly over the holidays: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Car crashes are more common on Christmas and New Year’s Eve than at any other time during the winter. Here are a few reminders that’ll help you celebrate the holidays safely. Driving under the influence is risky The dangers of driving while impaired are well known. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), over half of the fatal crashes that occur every year involve drivers who test
positive for drugs or alcohol. Cannabis is detected roughly half the time that drugs are involved. Whenever you get behind the wheel, you’re responsible for the safety of the passengers in your vehicle. You’re also obligated to those you share the road with. Though driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may seem like a small matter, by doing so you’re in fact risking many lives. Waiting for a cab or spending the night on a friend’s couch may seem inconvenient,
but it’s a small price to pay to ensure everyone’s safety, your own included.
service, or a friend or family member to take you home.
How to get sober if you’re impaired
Ensure your friends get home safely
Once you’ve consumed alcohol, it will remain in your bloodstream and affect your cognitive and motor functions for several hours, no matter how many cups of coffee you drink or how much food you eat. Indeed, there’s no quick way to get sober. Therefore, the best strategy is to simply sleep it off or call a cab, a designated driver
If you notice that a friend, colleague or family member is planning to drive even though they’ve had a few drinks, try to talk them (possibly away from other guests so they don’t feel attacked). Offer to call them a cab and, if they become confrontational, get someone to help you. If all else fails, you may need to call the police.
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is risky but getting behind the wheel while tired or distracted can also cause road accidents. The Canadian Automobile Association reports that driver inattention is responsible for nearly 4 million crashes in North America every year.
Don’t drink and drive.
Be responsible don’t drive drunk
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Friday, December 27, 2019
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DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE
Drunk drivers could face thousands of dollars in fines and jail time if convicted, according to law enforcement officials.
Holiday includes High Visibility Enforcement STAFF REPORT chroniclenews@countrymedia.net
Law enforcement agencies across Columbia County and Oregon aren’t taking the holidays off when
it comes to enforcing laws against impaired and drunk drivers. Police and sheriff’s deputies are partnering with law enforcement across the country in the national “High Visibility Enforce-
ment” through Jan. 2. These national enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them
from the roadways. DUIIs continue to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash deaths and injuries throughout the nation, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA said alcoholimpaired driving fatalities account for nearly one third of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. In 2018, 10,511 people died as a result of alcoholimpaired crashes. Motorists who are caught
driving drunk could face arrest and a fine of up to $15,000, plus additional fines and court expenses. Law enforcement officials said their goal is simple, to save lives and if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.
5 ways to stay safe during the dangerous holiday driving season The holidays can be the happiest time of the year, but unfortunately, they can also be the most dangerous, with more fatal car crashes occurring due to increased travel time, more alcohol use and excessive speed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA predicts that during this Christmas week, from Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at 6 p.m. through Thursday, January 2, 2020 at 5:59 a.m., 799 people will lose their lives nationwide due to car crashes. While it may be uncomfortable to consider these predictions, NHTSA’s report says that analyzing and forecasting fatalities can serve as useful warnings to the public, actually making roads safer. “No one wants to think about what can go wrong,
especially at such a joyful time of year, but as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure,” said Jon Bloom, vice president, personal auto, Erie Insurance. “The good news is that there are specific things that people can do help keep themselves and their families safe this holiday season.” Erie Insurance offers these five tips for safer holiday driving. • Keep your car road-ready. Proper maintenance will help keep your car in shape for whatever road conditions you encounter. In addition to getting regularly scheduled oil changes, make sure your car’s fluids are topped off and that filters, hoses and other components are in good working order. If they’re showing signs of wearing out, replace them. • Maintain properly inflated
tires. Not maintaining the right tire pressure can lead to flats and blowouts, which could cause you to lose control of your car and crash. Pay close attention to your car’s tire pressure monitoring system. If you see an alert that tire pressure is low, fill them as soon as possible. • Be ready for emergencies. While maintaining your car can reduce your chance of being stranded along the side of the road, it could still happen. Keep an emergency kit in the car with a cell phone charger, blanket and first aid kit, along with bottled water and snacks. Also, check with your insurance agent to ensure your policy includes Emergency Roadside Service coverage so that if your car does break down, you can call for help. • Give yourself plenty of
time. With speeding being one of the top causes of car crashes, it’s important to remember that there’s no prize for arriving first. It’s much better to drive the speed limit -- or even lower, depending on road conditions and build in a few extra minutes to get where you’re going, especially when driving near busy shopping malls or on holiday travel days when traffic is heavy. • Stay sober or designate a driver. Celebrating with a holiday toast? Plan ahead and have a designated driver, or use a cab or ride sharing service to get home. Regardless, never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. While the holidays can be a particularly perilous time to drive, taking precautions can help ensure you, and others on the road, have a safe season.
Photo: Stockbyte / iStock via Getty Images Plus
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Friday, December 27, 2019
R eview • •
November 8
Local high school football teams enter state playoffs CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Clatskanie Tigers football team from Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) and the Rainier Columbians football team from Rainier Jr./Sr. High School (RJSHS) have entered state playoffs for the OSAA - 3A division, which begins this week. Both teams will play their first game on Friday, Nov. 8. The playoff game comes right after the Clatskanie Tigers won the league championship last weekend. The Clatskanie Tigers, ranked sixth in the division, will be up against the St. Mary’s High School Crusad-
ers, ranked 11th in the division, at a home game at 7p.m. The Rainier Columbians, ranked fifth in the division, will be playing against the Madras High School White Buffaloes, ranked 12th in the division at a home game at 7 p.m. Both teams have regularly made it to the state playoffs. The Clatskanie Tigers have made it the last six of seven years, according to CMHS Athletic Director, Ryan Tompkins. The Rainier Columbians have made it at least the last 10 years, according to Graden Blue, RJSHS Principal and Athletic Director. Last year, the Columbians defeated the Tigers during the quarterfinals, Tompkins
said. The Columbians then went on to win the state championship 44-14 against the Cascade Christian High School Challengers and had an undefeated 13-0 season, according to the OSAA website. Before then, the Columbians had won the OSAA 3A Football State Championship in 2010. The Columbians’ tactic will be to lead from the start, according to the team’s athletic director. “We’ve got a pretty strong frontline, we’ll lead the lineup there,” Blue said. For now, the team’s goals are pretty simple, according to football coach, Mike King. “We try not to look forward. We’re completely and
November 29
These elementary students will portray elves and the children of New York City.
For the first time, the Clatskanie School District is bringing together students from Clatskanie Middle/ High School (CMHS) with elementary school students in collaboration on this year’s musical Christmas production, set to premiere at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 in the CMHS auditorium. The students will perform in Elf The Musical Jr., based on the 2003 New Line Cinema hit film starring Will Ferrell. The play will feature songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Skylar (The Wedding Singer) and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway), with a book by Tony Award Winners, Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone.) The story follows Buddy, a young orphan, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised there, unaware that he is actually a human until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities prompts him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. When faced with the harsh reality that his father is on the naughty list and his halfbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa, Buddy becomes determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. Director Jaime Erwin said
the collaboration with the elementary school kids began with simply asking various groups if anyone would be interested in attempting the feat. They students will also be performing Wizard of Oz in the spring, and Erwin said they were hoping to have some munchkins. “So, this is our trial run to see if that’s going to work out,” Erwin said. “But they are kicking butt.” To prepare the younger students, Erwin created ‘Elf Camp,’ where the majority of the middle school choir and a couple of middle school students who aren’t in the class but wanted to participate help coach the younger students on their songs. Erwin said when the elementary school children were invited into the production, she laid down clear expectations: this isn’t Missoula Children’s Theatre. Each student would be expected to behave and follow directions. “If your kids can behave I’m happy to have them, but if something happens …” Erwin explained, trailing off. “I think that set the tone.” The majority of the students had performed in Missoula Children’s Theatre, however, and Erwin said the youngsters elevated the play “from seven to a million.” She said they are singing out, following stage directions which she only has to relay once, and they’re dancing just like the older kids. The play will feature over 20 Clatskanie students – 10 from Clatskanie Elementary School (CES) and another 13 or so middle schoolers. The CES students will play
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Oregon Supreme Court denies petition for review Sets stage for rezone at Port Westward
Photo: Jaime Erwin
elves in their first scenes, and for the rest of the play, they will portray the children of New York City. Meanwhile, the high school drama class have taken on the main speaking roles. Senior Gabe Katon will star as Buddy the elf, and Erwin said the role puts him on stage for 95 percent of the play. “He’s singing, dancing, talking … but he knows what he’s doing,” Erwin said. “His aunt, Christine Pruitt, made him the elf costume and it’s just like the movie. She’s embroidered reindeer and snowflakes on the side and it just looks perfect.” Erwin said all of the students are doing really well with their parts. The play also features a love interest and Buddy’s adopted family whom he finds in New York, whose roles will be filled by the drama class. There are “backstage kids” who have built all of the sets – including decorating the walls out in front of the auditorium with snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, pictures of kids in dress rehearsal, and Christmas presents all over the hallway. “I like it when an audience is coming in and they get the whole experience, and they’ve done that.” Erwin said. “It’s all student lead.” Elf the Musical Jr. will open at 7 p.m. on Thursday Dec. 12 with encore performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 in the CMHS auditorium. Tickets are $5 for general admission and $3 for students and seniors.
Courtesy photo
Port Westward, where the Port of Columbia County is attempting to rezone 837 acres from agricultural to industrial land. CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Port of Columbia County’s long-sought 837acre rezone from agricultural to industrial land at Port Westward in Clatskanie is now more likely to happen, after the Oregon Supreme Court denied a petition for review from Columbia Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends of Oregon on Nov. 14. “There is now only one remaining question—for the Port of Columbia County to demonstrate that the five allowed uses for the rezone property can be reasonably compatible with neighboring farms. The port is working to bring this information to the Columbia County Commission for consideration,” a press release from the port states. The petition rejected by the Oregon Supreme Court regarded the Oregon Court of Appeals’ decision, on May 22 of this year, which upheld the Land Use Board of Appeals’ (LUBA) original decision, made in December of 2018, to remand one part of the port’s application back to Columbia County for more information. Background In 2013, the Port of Columbia County, then operating as the Port of St. Helens, submitted the original rezoning application to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners for 837 acres of agricultural-zoned land to Resource Indus-
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trial Planned Development (RIPD) use. In 2014, the commissioners approved the port’s application. Shortly after, Columbia Riverkeeper and Clatskanie farmer Mike Seely appealed the decision to LUBA, which then reviewed the plans and remanded them to the county. LUBA required more detailed information from the port and Columbia County about compatibility with nearby agricultural land in order to go forward with the rezone, and also stated the county needed to provide further analysis on potential environmental impacts. In 2017, the county approved a revised application, against which Riverkeeper and 1000 Friends filed an additional appeal. In the revised application, the port, at the direction of LUBA, limited the rezoned land to five uses, all significantly dependent on the dock. LUBA again remanded the application to the county in December of 2018, this time siding with Riverkeeper on just one of nine arguments against the rezone. That argument was for more information demonstrating the five allowed uses can be compatible with neighboring farms. In January of 2019, Riverkeeper appealed LUBA’s decision to the Oregon Court of Appeals, objecting to two points where LUBA sided with the county. At the same time, the port resubmitted the one remanded
argument. The Court of Appeals upheld LUBA’s original decision, against which Riverkeeper then filed a petition for Judicial Review at the Oregon Supreme Court. Riverkeeper and Port reactions Dan Serres, Conservation Director for Columbia Riverkeeper said he believes the environmental group was successful in one aspect. “We were successful in showing that the county and the port hadn’t demonstrated that rezoning that land would be compatible with farming habitat, and we’re going to continue to make that case,” Serres said. Serres said Riverkeeper is trying to protect highvalue farmland and salmon habitat at Port Westward. In a statement released Friday, Nov. 15, Doug Hayes, Executive Director for the port said the port was pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision. “This effectively brings the sole question of compatibility front and center and provides the port an opportunity to show that the balance between well-paying and responsible industry and historical agricultural opportunities can exist together as good neighbors,” Hayes said. The port will have to submit another application to the county before rezoning can take place.
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Clatskanie defensive lineman Stuart Bruce attempting to block a pass at a football game on Aug. 30 this year against Seaside High School at the Astoria Football Jamboree.
November 22
CES and CMHS students collaborate for first time on Christmas musical
JULIE THOMPSON chronicle1@countrymedia.net
totally focused on tomorrow night, playing Madras. If we can take care of business tomorrow, we can take care of next Friday,” King said. If the Columbians win this game, they will play either the Amity High School Warriors or the Brookings-Harbor High School Bruins next weekend. For the Clatskanie Tigers, experience will be the name of the game, according to Tompkins. “We have a whole lot of seniors on the team, 15 seniors, all of them have been to the playoffs the last four years,” Tompkins said. “So there’s a lot of experience in the playoffs and what it takes.”
Building Bridges to Self Sufficiency
Wednesday, Jan. 22 - 15 Bean Ham Soup, w/ cornbread, and green salad Friday, Jan. 24 - Chicken Tamale Pie, w/ rice / beans
Friday, Jan. 10 - Chicken, w/ roasted potatoes, and vegetables
Monday, Jan. 27 - Hearty Beef Stew, w/ roll
Monday, Jan. 13 - Stuffed Pepper Casserole, w/ Green Salad
Wednesday, Jan. 29 - Teriyaki Meatballs, w/ rice, and vegetables
Wednesday, Jan. 15 - Taco Soup, w/ chips Friday, Jan. 17 - Fish, w/ seasoned rice, and Coleslaw
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Monday, Jan. 20 - Beef Stroganoff, w/ noodles, and vegetables
Friday, Jan. 31 - Membership/ Birthday Dinner: Baked Chicken, w/ mashed potatoes, vegetables, and Birthday Cake
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