Stories that made the front page Year in Review 2022
The Chiefmonths.
Local salon operator retires after 56 years
LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest ArticleKarol Lee Byrnes is a homesteader, a horse tamer, a mother, a grandmother, an identical twin and the proprietor of Karol Lee’s Beauty Shop.
The familiar sign, adorning Highway 30 since 1977, proclaiming “Karol Lees Beauty Shop” has come down and the furnishing have been packed up and moved.
As of Dec. 13, Karol Lee has retired after 56 years, much to the disappointment of her many longtime customers.
“Many of her customers have been with her for many, many years,” Karol Lee’s twin sister, Kay Heflin, President of the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum said. “They hate to see her leave.”
Karol Lee agrees with her sister on what her absence will mean.
“Some of my clients, I style their grandchildren’s hair,” she said. “And some of their children retired long before I’m retiring. But it is time.”
When Karol Lee graduated high school, she immediately entered Longview Beauty College where she earned her cosmetology license. She worked for several years at Venus de Milo, a Rainier salon, before opening Karol Lee’s.
Asked if she thought she would be practicing her profession for so long, she said, “Well, I really love what I do. I have always loved it. The best part of course, is all my wonderful customers,” she said, adding the only negative aspect of her long career is the many customers that she has come to know and love who have passed.
“I have gone to many funerals of my customers who had become dear friends,” she said.
Karol Lee has seen the business change over the years from shampoos and sets to more casual styles. And she has always kept up with the trends by attending cosmetology shows. “I did it all - from haircuts to highlights,” she said.
Karol Lee is indeed a busy woman. She lives with her husband on Silver Lake, near Toutle, Washington about an hour away from Rainier, where she tends to her many animals, including the now tamed Mustang horses.
“I work with them about a year until they are calmed down,” she said, her modesty at this foreboding
task intact.
Her latest venture is the rehabilitation of miniature donkeys.
“Some of their hooves were so bad they were said to be unsalvageable,” she said. But with her patience and skill, she has rehabbed the hooves so that the animals can once again walk unencumbered.
Karol Lee said she is confident that her customers will find new hair salons and she said appreciates all the support she has received for the past 56 years.
The new owners of the building will operate a gift and consignment shop and plan to open in January.
Brown forgives uncollected traffic fines, fees
G ov. Kate Brown has issued an order that remitted uncollected court fines and fees associated with certain traffic violation cases that resulted in debt-based driver’s license suspensions.
This action creates a path for
nearly 7,000 Oregonians to seek reinstatement of their suspended driver’s licenses through the DMV and removes the associated collateral burdens that disproportionately impacted low-income Oregonians and people of color from a state statute that has since been rewritten, according to a statement from Brown’s office.
In 2020, acknowledging that suspending driver’s licenses for nonpayment can set off a cascade of compounding harms impacting people’s lives and livelihoods, particularly for low-income Oregonians, Brown signed into law House Bill 4210.
While that legislation prohibited license suspensions for nonpayment of traffic fines moving forward, it left existing nonpayment-related license suspensions in place. Brown’s action conducted Dec. 21, granted these individuals a fresh start, removing a key financial barrier blocking many from being able to lawfully drive.
“The inability to pay a traffic fine should not deprive a person of the ability to lawfully drive to work, school, health care appointments, or other locations to meet their daily needs,” Brown said. “We know that suspending driver’s licenses for unpaid traffic fines is bad public policy — it is inequitable, ineffective, and makes it harder for low-income Oregonians to get ahead. My action today will help alleviate the burden of legacy driver’s license suspensions imposed under a statutory scheme that the legislature has since overhauled.”
Brown’s remission order af-
the effective date of
two years ago,
4210. The order expressly excludes misdemeanor or felony traffic offense cases, and it does not forgive restitution and compensatory fines owed to victims. Beyond nonpayment-related sanctions, none of the affected individuals have suspended licenses due to public safety-related sanctions.
Approximately $1,800,000 was remitted from circuit court cases
The vast majority of the fines and fees forgiven by the Governor’s order are considered uncollectible debt. According to OJD, about 84% of the liquidated debt on its books is uncollectible. Much of the debt forgiven by the Governor’s remission order is held by
Year in Review
Learning the ‘Art of Fiddling’
ZOE GOTTLIEBFour days is all it will take to lay the foundation for Clatskanie Elementary School (CES) students to play one of the world’s most powerful instruments.
This is what fiddle instructor and native Louisianan Kelly Thibodeaux set out to accomplish with his four-day, four-session workshop that began on May 24 for 1st through 4th graders at CES.
By Friday, May 27, students will have learned a solo three-chord fiddle tune with Kelly’s guitar accompaniment and demonstrate these skills through a student-led recital.
Thibodeaux, a pioneer of the genre-bending music known as “swamp rock,” has taught his fiddle workshop, “Kelly’s Art of Fiddling and the Mystique of Louisiana,” for 18 years in rural Oregon schools, according to his website.
The process
Thibodeaux enjoys teaching elementary schoolers the fiddle for several reasons. One of the most substantial rewards, Thibodeaux says, is being an instructor for the “world’s most receptive students.”
“The rewards far outweigh the challenges,” he said.
Rhythm is the central focus of Thibodeaux’s workshop, which he believes is the most effective approach to teaching students a complicated instrument.
“Seeing how we all walk, talk, and breathe rhythm, adapting this to a teaching method is quite natural, and skills taught this way are quickly learned and absorbed,” he said. “To put it another way, it’s just like riding a bike. First, you learn to pedal then you learn to steer. Translating to a fiddle, first, you learn how to bow it (called sawing), then you can finger any number of simple chords to make up a tune.”
Thibodeaux also said that by the end of the fourth session, he expects students will
learn 12 different sound effects to accompany a short narrated folk story.
“In three 40-minute classes, he teaches kids how to saw,” said Heather Wheeler, first-year music teacher at CES. “It’s a short, short, long stroke on the fiddle. (He also teaches) animal sounds and obscure sounds that go along with and narrate a story.”
“It’s perfect for elementary school kids who want to be able to express themselves it gives them a whole different opportunity,” she said.
The Chief asked Thibodeaux what he hopes CES students will take away from the fiddle lessons.
“My goal is to empower each child, each student, with the ability to make a powerful instrument produce music that their musical spirits are awakened and realized,” he responded.
An ‘exceptional opportunity’
When Clatskanie Arts Commission’s Elsa Wooley
read about Thibodeaux’s residency program in PUD’s Ruralite magazine, she saw the perfect opportunity to renew music education in Clatskanie.
According to Wooley, the school had gone without a music program for 20 years before hiring Wheeler.
“My husband was the band teacher in Clatskanie for 26 years,” Wooley said. “Even when we first came a long time ago in the 70s, there was a tradition of love and appreciation of music in the school.”
In recent years, Wooley explained, these programs have been difficult to fund, “so when we created the Arts Commission, in 1988, that was one of our goals.”
The Clatskanie Arts Commission sprang for Thibodeaux’s residency program with a $2,000 grant. Other sponsors include the Clatskanie PUD, which paid for his lodging at the Clatskanie River Inn.
According to Wheeler, rotating fiddle lessons throughout the day for 210 students
has been “a lot of logistics.”
“I won’t lie: I’ve been working on this since December,” she said. “It takes a whole bunch of passionate people.”
Wooley said she hopes the program will, “give (students) a lot of confidence that yes, they can do this. They can stand up in front of an audience and perform.”
“I think it’s an opportunity that I think along the line, they will always remember,” Wooley said.
The fiddle recital is set
for Friday, May 27. The first group begins their performance at 8:10 a.m. in the Clatskanie Elementary School music room, and student groups will perform throughout the day until 2:30 p.m. The recital is free for all community members to attend.
“I hope people show up to support the program and students,” Wheeler said.
The Clatskanie Arts Commission is asking the public for a $10 donation to support its ability to host future arts and music programs.
River’s Edge vision becomes reality
LAUREY WHITE Chief Guest ArticleWhen Phillip Rissel and his family set out to build the River’s Edge RV Resort and Camping at Clatskanie, they shared a vision.
“We wanted to offer the best RV and camping experience possible,” Rissel said.
Upon visiting what could be described as the majestic new setting, at 1309 Swedetown Road, just off Highway 30, it appears they have accomplished their goal.
Set on 12 prime acres of real estate bordering the Clatskanie River, at the south edge of the city, the soft grand opening was Sept. 24. As the ceremonial ribbon was cut, excitement was in the air as visitors viewed this monumental achievement.
There is plenty of exploring to do within the campgrounds, including a dog run. Beyond enjoying the scenic landscape, there is
Masks
JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.As Oregon moves to lift its indoor mask mandate, Columbia County Public Health Director Michael Paul said the elimination of the universal indoor mask mandate is a result of decreases in new infections, and more importantly, severe disease.
“The overall statewide transmission rate continues to decline because of the combination of vaccinations and prior infections, which means there is a lower risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19,” he said. “Even though we should expect new cases, hospital care will be available to those who need it, and we can restart, or safely continue in-person activities, such as school.”
Paul said the new date to lift the indoor mask mandate as of March 12 is significant.
“It’s a significant moment in the pandemic timeline, but it doesn’t mean risk entirely disappears. Individuals and families will need to assess their risk based on their health status and transmission in our community,” Paul said. “Our local public health surveillance will continue to focus on our oldest citizens, people who are immunocompromised, and people with disabilities.”
Caution urged
According to Paul, the decision to remove masks doesn’t eliminate concern about a new variant that evades the immunity provided by vaccination or previous infection.
“The expectation is that
also plenty to do in town that visitors can enjoy.
Rissel’s wife, Jonna Forbes, says the campground should be a large boon for Clatskanie.
“We estimate that each park goer will spend approximately $500 per stay,” she said.
When not shopping or dining at Clatskanie, the city offers two natural parks and a newly renovated community pool and splash pad for the RV park visitors.
River’s Edge also will offer the community a location to hold various functions.
“We are going to greet everyone that comes in,” Rissel said. “We are really getting to know this great community and its residents.”
There are more than 100 recreational vehicle sites at River’s Edge, with more than 40 on the 1,200-foot riverfront property. The park also has pull-through sites
that can handle big rigs, and extra-long sites that allow for additional parking, such as for a boat trailer.
Designed as a campground equipped for the future, River’s Edge offers accessible wi-fi, complete power service with each site having 50/30/20 double amp power and electric vehicle
chargers are also available. The concrete pads are level and all over 55 feet long.
The construction of the site included 1.2 acres of concrete, 2.5 acres of asphalt, 27,000 feet of utility lines and a newly paved road for easy access.
What Rissel said he most wanted to do when he began
the project was to keep the natural beauty of the area intact. Former property owner Fred Rathbone foresaw a park that echoed Phillip’s vision.
“Fred created this park to mirror the exact image of the land and to protect all of the natural area, including the adjacent ponds and wetlands,” Rissel said.
Jonna Forbes said the River’s Edge grand opening will be conducted Memorial Day weekend, although camping is currently available.
For campsite reservation, visit riversedgervcamping. com. The cost is $65 per night or $750 per month.
“Many questions have come up about our ability to accommodate monthly guests,” Forbes said. “A number of people think that there is a limit of 14 days, This rule is true for some state campgrounds but does not apply to us as we are pri-
vately owned. We welcome the monthly guests.”
River’s Edge is also offering free power to new customers through January 2023.
During the park ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 24, Rissel told of the ups and downs experienced in building the park.
“First came the rain,” he said. “It was a very wet winter.”
He told of how working in the mud felt like bricks were duct-taped to the bottom of the crew members feet. And then of course, there was the heat.
“It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears and 14-hour days,” he said.
Rissel said he is grateful for the hard work of his family and co-workers.
“Everyone has made a huge sacrifice to get this done.,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for all the support I received.”
What it means in Columbia County
the recommendations could return if another variant with the potential to significantly disrupt our health care systems emerges,” he said.
People at increased risk, and those who live or visit with them, should continue to take precautions, according to Paul.
“Masks are still recommended for people over the age of 65, unvaccinated individuals, individuals with some chronic conditions, and immunocompromised individuals,” he said. “Many of those individuals live in local congregate care settings so mask requirements for employees and caregivers continue in those settings. We recommend that everyone have access to a high-quality mask in the event of another surge of cases.”
In addition to masks, Paul said individuals should stay informed about vaccination recommendations, as well as when and where to get testing and treatment.
Lesson learned
According to Paul, Columbia County Public Health has learned that the local response to such medical crisis depends on strong partnerships with local agencies, health care providers, schools and child care providers, community-serving organizations, and congregate settings.
“In order to reach the greatest number of residents, we need to keep those organizations updated with information about testing, vaccination, masks, treatment, and other recommendations,” Paul said. “Many of these agencies also have convenient locations so we
partnered with them to provide access to vaccination, testing and distribution of resources. We can’t emphasize enough how enormously important these close, bidirectional partnerships are to our response.”
The response required resources that Columbia County Public Health Department did not have, according to Paul, which meant the health agency often had to reach out to other county departments and local agencies.
“We also received confirmation that we identified the right priorities in our pre-pandemic community
health improvement plan,” he said. “The last two years showed us that we need more access to all types of health care. Not only did many of our residents have to travel too far, and wait too long, for testing and vaccination and other COVID-related care, many residents had to delay other important care appointments.”
School districts response
Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said her district will have masks as an optional choice beginning March 12.
“Our community and our staff filled out a survey and 91% of staff and 88% of the community responding agreed to allow masks to be optional in the school,” she said. “So, we are leaving it up to family and students to decide if they want to continue wearing the masks or not. We don’t think we will have any push back from our kids. It’s going to be up to the parent. Our teachers are not going to be the mask police.”
Hurowitz said while the pandemic has been challenging, the district and the community are taking away
positive lessons.
“It has been a tough two years,” she said. “We had so many people responded to the new learning by force. We have learned that the community really supports our schools and that our teachers want the best for kids. Even through the hard times, there has been a lot of positivity that has come from this. We made it through. Our community has supported us. We are eager to get back to normal, whatever that is.”
Chief has reached out to the Rainier School District for comments.
Year in Review
The Chief
School statements following game probe
JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.There are new details about an investigation into alleged racial comments made during a Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) girls basketball game last December against De La Salle North Catholic School.
Following the game, and the reports of racial comments made by each of the teams’ players, CMHS Athletic Director Ryan Tompkins told The Chief, “We are deeply troubled as a school community at the severity of the accusations.”
Two investigations resulted in the allegations. One by CMHS and the other by the Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA). Over the past four months, the Chief reached out to both CMHS and the OSAA for copies of the investigation results, but the newspaper did not receive the specific results.
The OSAA told The Chief that the actual investigation was completed in February. The Chief again reached out to CMHS for a statement and the results of the investigation. We were told that the school would issue a statement soon.
On the morning of April 20, Tompkins issued the following statement.
On December 14, 2021 there was a girls basketball game between De La Salle North Catholic and Clatskanie High School. Allegations of racial language were
brought against the Clatskanie Girls basketball team, including a public Facebook post made by a (now-former) member of the De La Salle North Catholic coaching staff.
A thorough investigation was conducted by Clatskanie, where they could not find definitive-proof that the allegations had occurred. Following the Clatskanie investigation, the OSAA hired an independent investigator to look into the events. While the independent investigator could not definitively conclude that the alleged language was used, they felt that “more likely than not” racialized language was used.
Clatskanie and the OSAA believe that based upon the seriousness of the accusations and level of concern brought by the De La Salle community, that there is a strong need to improve safeguards and procedural steps to ensure an incident like this does not occur again. These steps have been laid out in the form of a probation by the OSAA. Our resolution from these events is to continue to educate and promote students at Clatskanie Middle High School that celebrate differences and embrace equality around them.
Down the road, we look forward to the possibility of doing this alongside the De La Salle North Catholic community.
Ryan Tompkins Clatskanie Middle High School Dean of Students/Athletic Director
After receiving the CMHS April 20 response, The Chief sent Tompkins the following questions in which he responded:
The Chief: You state in the release: “Our resolution from these events is to continue to educate and promote students at Clatskanie Middle High School that celebrate differences and embrace equality around them.” Given this event, how specifically is the Clatskanie School District educating and promoting students now, and what more needs to be done to help students celebrate and embrace equality?
Ryan Tompkins: Clatskanie will (and has) been promoting equity and tolerance education with our student body:
• CMHS held implicit bias training for staff last school year and will provide it for student athletes/
coaches through NFHS learn (National Federation of State High School Associations Learning Center) for the 2022/23 school year.
• CMHS with support of the OSAA Foundation’s Equity and Diversity Grant, had a guest speaker presentation on equity for Martin Luther King Day.
• Clatskanie Athletics has applied to become an OSAA S.T.A.R. school. This will include actions regarding the posting of signage for sportsmanship and harassment reporting, communication procedures prior to contests, and utilizing the Public Address announcer for sportsmanship scripts.
• The CSD will continue to promote equity, with their recent implementation of a District Equity Team.
• The Clatskanie school board has been at the forefront of promoting equity and inclusion with their early adoption of the “Every Student Belongs” rule in October 2020.
The Chief: What do you hope the students involved and the parents of those students understand about what occurred during the game and how such alleged incidents can be damaging and should be avoided?
Tompkins: As they should, both the Clatskanie and De La Salle communities have vehemently supported their girls regarding the events from that night. Unfortunately, as both the Clatskanie and OSAA investigations have shown, there is no definitive way to determine the complete details of what was said. I feel for the girls from both schools and hope that these events have not affected their view of the causes of social justice in a negative way. In order to help prevent this from happening again, the following has been ensured:
• A clearer path for the reporting of harassment
• Establishment of a policy of action for addressing reports of harassment
• Clear communication routines to ensure the protection of all student athletes from feeling unsafe or harassed during co-curricular activities.
The Chief has reached out to administrators at De La Salle North Catholic School for a response. The following is a response from Oscar Leong, President of De La Salle North Catholic School.
Although this has been very traumatic for our girls,
coaches and community, I do believe a whole lot of good has come out of it that will positively impact student athletes of color in the short- and long-term future in the State of Oregon. New and very meaningful protocols for ALL high school sports, game officials and how future incidents are handled have been created from this specific incident.
I am thankful for the help and support of both OSAA and the third-party investigation team through this entire process - the voices of our girls, coaches and community were heard and validated by both the required action items and the probation brought upon Clatskanie HS as a result of the incident that occurred on December 14, 2021.
The OSAA’s Peter Weber told The Chief that the association doesn’t share its letter to schools or the thirdparty investigative report.
“As with any situation like this involving our member schools, our efforts are focused on education and training for schools, officials, and communities to interrupt behaviors, prevent re-occurrence, and promote healing for those impacted,” Weber said. “The OSAA remains resolute that all involved in interscholastic activities must be able to participate in a welcoming and safe environment and is committed to working with our membership to make that happen.”
Read previous coverage at thechiefnews.com.
Brajcich re-elected, seeking solutions to city’s challenges
JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.
“I try to listen and treat everybody with respect, that is the main thing,” Brajcich said following his re-election victory in the Nov. 8 General Election. “I try to work well with the City Council and the city staff.”
Brajcich first became Clatskanie mayor in 2017 and he said he has a list of priorities for his next term in office.
Highway safety Safety along Highway 30 that cuts through Clatskanie is a key issue in the city, Brajcich said. The city continues to work with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to improve safety and reduce the fast traffic along the highway.
“We’d like to see the speed reduced and ODOT has a traffic calming program,” he said. “They did a project along Highway 101 in Gearhart to ease traffic speed there, so we are looking at that as a possible option.”
The speed along Highway
30 in Clatskanie is 30 miles an hour (mph). While Brajcich and other city officials aren’t seeking to lower the speed, they are looking for ways to get drivers to follow the 30-mph speed.
We just want people to go 30,” he said. “I understand, especially when you come down the highway at 65 miles an hour, that vehicles just continue at that speed. We get heavy traffic all the time with people on their way to the coast. So, people have to be educated. I am working with our traffic safety committee because drivers need to aware of their driving habits. It’s a problem everywhere.”
As drivers enter from the south along Highway 30, a flashing warning sign displays vehicles speed to remind drivers to slow to the 30-milean-hour posted speed. But Brajcich said more has to be done to slow the traffic into and out of the more congested area of the city.
NEXT facility
Another top priority for Brajcich is the proposed $2 billion NEXT renewable fuels project.
“It will bring jobs and economic development to
Clatskanie,” he said. “There is still a lot to do with that project.”
The proposed fuel facility continues to undergo the state and federal permitting process. Follow that development at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
Affordable housing and RVs Brajcich is also concerned about affording housing in Clatskanie.
“Housing development seems to be a crisis in Oregon and on the West Coast,” he said. “But in Clatskanie, there
is available land for housing. It is limited because this is a small valley.”
Brajcich said the City Council has passed an ordinance to lower lot size, which he said makes it more affordable for developers to build.
Brajcich said completing the city’s efforts to better regulate transient and abandoned recreational vehicles (RVs) is another key priority.
In December, the City Council is scheduled to conduct the second reading of an ordinance to deal with the RV issue.
“We want to be ahead of this issue,” Brajcich said.
The proposed ordinance was developed after a recent special City Council work session.
“It was a very productive work session with a lot of ideas,” Brajcich said. “Enforcement is always a consideration and that limited our ideas, but overall, we will not allow overnight RV parking on our streets. We have two RV parks, so there are places for them to park.”
The ordinance also would prohibit RVs parked on private property in which someone is living in the RV. It also would limit parking the RVs in front of the owner’s property to seven calendar days.
“We already have parking ordinances that prohibit storing a motor home or a boat on the street,” he said.
Economic development
One of the most expensive and key economic development projects in Clatskanie is a building a multi-milliondollar sewer treatment plant to replace the city’s current aging facility.
“We are still working on the new sewer plant,” Brajcich said. “The cost could double so we are looking
for more money. It is very expensive, but in the long run, It will save the city taxpayers a lot of money.”
Brajcich said another key economic development project is the redevelopment of the former Humps Restaurant building on Highway 30. He said the new owners of the building are still working on the project to make the facility a multiple purpose business center with retail.
“They told me when they get done, I won’t recognize it,” Brajcich said. “I do see a lot of activity there and that is a positive sign. I just want the lights on and activity, that’s important. They want to get several different shops in there. They are moving forward. It is important to Clatskanie because it is right in the center of town. Having no activity there is not a good sign, so having business activity there is going to be good.”
The Chief asked Brajcich why he likes being mayor of Clatskanie.
“I like serving the community,” he said. “I am very accessible. I am around town all the time, that’s how I function. All the council members want to make Clatskanie a place that you want to live.”
Clatskanie School District Superintendent resigns
resignation of Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz during its Nov. 14 regular meeting.
The Clatskanie School Board issued the following
Dear Clatskanie Com-
The Clatskanie School Board has worked with Superintendent Hurowitz to develop a plan for the transition of the District’s leadership that will take place prior to the end of December.
Superintendent Hurowitz has agreed to continue to work as our superintendent until the Board can identify and hire an interim superintendent to support the District through the end of the school year.
Superintendent Hurowitz’s leadership over the course of the last five years has moved our District forward and has helped us survive the challenges of the COVID school closures, we wish her the best in her next
opportunity.
Hurowitz comments
“I did the best that I could with what I know, and I am grateful for the opportunity,” Hurowitz told The Chief.
“I wish the district the very best.”
Hurowitz said she has yet to decide what’s next.
“I am looking at my options,” she said. “I am retired, and I was working back as superinrtendent.”
Hurowitz was under the first year of a three-year contract with a value of an estimated $400,000 plus benefits which would be approximately 30%.
She became the Clatskanie School District Superintendent in 2018.
School board chair insight
Clatskanie School District Board Chair Megan Evenson
said the change in leadership came following a district executive session.
“The district is ready to move on with leadership and do the best for kids,” Evenson said. “We have been in touch with Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) and they are helping us with an interim search. We are hoping that process can go pretty quickly.”
Evenson said a representative from the OSBA was scheduled to meet with the board during a special Zoom meeting Thursday, Nov. 17 to present a proposal to find a permanent superintendent.
“We are looking for a leader that is going to put kids in our community first, that is our priority, and to empower the district administration and staff to do their very best for kids,” Evenson said.
The school board is expected to look at like-size
districts to determine the salary and benefits for the new superintendent.
“We want to be competitive and attract the right quality candidate,” she said.
“OSBA does a nationwide search, so the search is wide open.”
Evenson said the new superintendent will need to be ready to move the district forward.
“We are right in the middle of our bond project (school renovations) and so getting that finished is going to be key and getting the next district budget together,” she said. “We have a lot of work to do. We need to have a board retreat to set our goals for next year and make sure the new superintendent is with us.”
Community meetings are expected to be held in the months ahead as the district board moves to select and interview superintendent can-
didates. The process could be held between January and March of next year. Information on those public sessions will be posted at the district’s Facebook page and on the district’s webpage.
Evenson, who has been the school board chair for the past five years, acknowledged that the transition it is “a little stressful.” “Such a leadership change and finding the right person for the position of superintendent is stressful because the position is a huge part of the district,” she said. “One concern is that the state has had a lot of school district superintendent turnover. We understand that 50% are brand new, so we just don’t know what to expect with the candidate pool.”
Evenson said the school board appreciates Hurowitz time as superintendent.
“We wish her well professionally and personally,” Evenson said.
This column is being written the day before the intense wintery weather is due. If the forecast holds for temperatures in the mid-teens with no snow cover that lasts for more than a day, there could be significant damage to some herbaceous perennials, to some sensitive plants like dahlias with their rhizomes left in the ground, and to some plants that are on the edge of cold hardiness for this area like “overwintering” fuchsias which will lose their branches but generally return from new shoots next year.
Woody plants in containers are at special risk. Roots of a given plant are generally not as cold-hardy as their tops. The reason is fairly obvious – tops have to face the elements straight on whereas roots, in normal situations, are protected by the ground. So roots didn’t evolve with the same cold-hardiness as the tops of woody plants. When you plant them in containers, the soil-mass temperature protection is largely gone.
Garden fruit crops most at risk are the blackberry
group (Marions, Boysens, Logans, etc.). The cold won’t kill them but may kill their floral buds, leading no fruit for next summer. Raspberries are generally more cold tolerant than the blackberry group. Our woody tree fruits are generally quote cold-hardy this time of year.
Young deciduous trees should be deeply dormant and, unless you planted a marginal species like Paulownia, they should come through this cycle. If the same temperature challenge happened three weeks earlier or in late January, the picture could have been much different.
Remaining above ground winter vegetables (kale, arugula, chard, etc.) are probably done for but below ground root crops should still be fine if the field mice (voles) haven’t found them.
Garlic is a tough call. It is generally fairly cold hardy.
Cloves planted in the last couple of months haven’t sent up shoots but they have pushed roots into the soil. They are most susceptible in narrow, unsided raised beds if there is no snow cover and if the cold lasts long enough freeze the roots and clove. That is uncommon in western Oregon but I have seen it in places like Madras which, historically, has grown quite a lot of seed garlic.
The coldest temperatures I have experienced in St. Helens occurred in two successive years, 1989 and 1990. Both got down to about 5° F for several days with modest but some snow cover. Daphnes died
the first event and, if people replanted them (and they did because many gardeners are really fond of daphnes for their scent and appearance), they died again the following year. That profoundly lowered the local enthusiasm for daphnes. Those killing temperatures haven’t returned since. This event might or might not be close.
Pruning
January and February are prime pruning months. We have an excellent bulletin called Pruning to Restore a Neglected Apple Tree (one picture shown) that can be downloaded (https://catalog. extension.oregonstate.edu/ ec1005 ) or picked up at our office. The two most important pieces of pruning advice are:
• Learn what a branch collar is (a swelling where the branch joins the limb or trunk) and make the final pruning cut to the outside of the collar. That way, the wound can heal. We used to look for “flush” cuts but no longer.
• Try to make as many
lateral branch). This will tend to reduce suckering and strengthen remaining branches.
The objectives of shade and fruit tree pruning are necessarily different. With the fruit tree, you prune to make the tree easy to pick and spray and to encourage good fruit production.
Landscape trees are best pruned lightly to establish their natural form, to remove limbs that interfere with roads or walks, and to remove any diseased or dead branches. Beyond that they should be left alone.
Food preservation
You can get up-to-date and accurate answers to your food preservation questions by calling our office at 503 397-3462 and ask to speak to Jenny Rudolph.
Important notes
• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Columbia County Bee-
keepers event scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5. The CCOB will meet at the OSU Extension Office in St. Helens. The meeting will also be “Zoomed.” Educational topics to be determined. For more information and Zoom link email ColumbiaCountyOregonBeekeepers@gmail. com.
• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always 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. to 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 503397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia/ and click on newsletters.
Resources
Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462
Obituaries
phone number (only the name and city of residence will be published). By submitting a letter, writers also grant permission for them to be posted online. Opinions expressed on this page are the writer’s alone and do not represent the opinion of the newspaper or its parent company, Country Media, Inc.
Obituaries received after noon on Wednesday may not be in time for that Friday’s paper. Obituaries may be emailed to chiefnews@countrymedia.net, sent via mail, or dropped off at the office. We also accept obituaries written by funeral homes. Include the address and daytime phone number of the person who submitted the obituary, so we can verify information as necessary.
The Kidz Cave After School Program is a new business in Clatskanie, located at 82 SE 2nd Street. We service school aged children 5 to 12 years old. We will have games, activities, homework/ reading time, and snacks.
Grand Opening in January so stay tuned! Email: thekidzcave12@gmail. com.
Pool Manager
Clatskanie Park & Recreation District is now accepting applications and resumes for a Pool Manager. Responsibilities: Train, manage and evaluate approximately 20 lifeguards; beginning in February and continuing into September. Plan, organize and schedule programs offered at our seasonal outdoor pool. Be responsible for scheduling ad-
equate staff for the safety, supervision, cleanliness, water chemistry and mechanical operation of the pool for youth and families in our District. Maintain pool and employee records. Perform such other duties as assigned by the District Manager and/or Board of Directors from time to time. Knowledge and Skills: Strong administrative skills, recreational aquatic program-
ming skills, leadership and managerial skills, pool maintenance and water chemistry skills and good public relation skills are a must. Thorough knowledge of policies, procedures and equipment used in daily outdoor pool operations helpful. Work with pool related chemicals and be familiar with State and Federal regulations regarding outdoor pool oper-
ations. Experience and Training: Experience preferred. Or the willingness to work within an agreed upon time frame between applicant and Board of Directors to obtain the required and suggested certifications for the position; FirstAid, CPR, AED certifications, Lifeguard Instructor and Training, Water Safety Instructor and CPO (Certified Pool Operator) cer-
tifications. You can request an application by phone at 503-728-2757, by email at csp@cni. net or on our website www.clatskanie parksandrecre ation.com. Applications and resumes can be returned by mail to: Clatskanie Park & Recreation District, PO Box 737, Clatskanie OR 97016 or by email to csp@cni.net. If you have any questions, please leave message at 503-
728-2757. Applications with resumes will be accepted through January 31, 2023.
Public Notices
CC22-1713
CC22-1712
NOTICE OF COUNCIL MEETING
The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South Nehalem St. (2nd floor).
Regarding
Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the Dec. 7th, 2022 council meeting, the swearing in of the Mayor and Councilors recently elected, and discussion on the agreement between the
City and the Parks and Recreation District. Access to the meeting on ZOOM will be posted on the city website, www.cityofclatskanie. com. Please call City Hall at least 48 hours in advance if you need assistance.
Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment
AGENCY: The City of Clatskanie
ACTION: Notice of Intent and Scoping
SUMMARY: The City of Clatskanie proposes to replace the wastewater treatment plant in Clatskanie, Oregon. The existing WWTP is approaching the end of its service life, and replacement is necessary to meet regulatory requirements and ensure continued functionality. The new facility will be located on the same property as the existing facility and t he work will be phased to maintain continuous wastewater treatment service throughout construction. Anticipated construction activities include building new structures, dec ommissioning existing structures, expansion of the engineered fill supporting the facility, maintenance of the existing outfall, and improvements to the facility access road to accommodate construction vehicles
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, the City of Clatskanie is preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposed project and construction activities. Interested parties are invited to comment on the proposed action and provide information on the scope of the EA and any relevant environmental concerns.
DATE: Comments and related material must be received by 5 PM on January 30, 2023
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by email to Ms Erica Antill at erica.antill@tetratech.com, and please cc Mr. Gregory Hinkelman at Ghinkelman@cityofclatskanie.com You may also send written comments by mail to: Ms Erica Antill C/o Tetra Tech, Inc. 1750 S. Harbor Way, Suite 400 Portland, OR 97201
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, please call Mr. Gregory Hinkelman at (503) 728-2622. Published: December 30 , 2022
Special Report
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Rainier Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on January 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm at Rainier City Hall, 106 W B Street, to review development applications submitted by Mr. Matt Alexander of Lower Columbia Engineering, on behalf of the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum for Design Review and a variance for the proposed construction of a new 4,761
CC22-1714
square foot museum on a yet to be addressed parcel on W A Street. The subject property consists of ½ acre, is identified as Tax Lot 7216BB-03201 and is zoned WM, Waterfront Mixed Use Overlay. The variance is a request to the entrance orientation of the building and parking. Design review is required for all developments in the WM overlay zone. The applications will be reviewed under
the standards and criteria of Rainier Municipal Code 18.50, 18.85, 18.105, 18.135 and 18.145. The application materials and municipal code are available for review at Rainier City Hall, 106 W B Street during regular business hours. A staff report on the application package will be issued at least seven days prior to the hearing and also will be available for public review at the time.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Rainier Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on January 10, 2023 after 6:00 pm at Rainier City Hall, 106 W B Street, to review a conditional use permit application submitted by Mr. Dennis O’Brien for the operation of an adult group home for up to five disabled
CC22-1710
adults by Strong Heart Homes Inc, PO Box 245 Cascade Locks, OR 97104. The subject property and existing dwelling is located at 30907 Timoney Lane consists of 0.99 acres and is zoned R-2 Medium Density Residential. No new construction is proposed. The application
materials and municipal code are available for review at Rainier City Hall, 106 W B Street during regular business hours. A staff report on the application package will be issued at least seven days prior to the hearing and also will be available for public review at the time.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of NADINE SHEPHERD, Deceased. No. 22PB10286 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
Year in Review 2022
The Chief
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 3, 2022. Mary Wise, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C., Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
County approves bio fuels plant land permits
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved local land use permits for NEXT Renewable Fuels’ $2 billion clean fuels project.
The action came during the Columbia County Board of Commissioner’s regular meeting Wednesday, Feb. 9 in St. Helens.
The permit approval allows NEXT to build a renewable diesel facility at Port Westward that company officials said will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7 million tons each year and significantly reduce toxic emissions from vehicles that disproportionately impact high density urban environments.
“We are ecstatic that the Board of Commissioners approved our permits,” NEXT Chairman and CEO Chris Efird said. “With these key local permits, we move
another step closer to construction. We are grateful for the outpouring of supportive comments from local community leaders and environmental experts.”
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) also stated its approval of the project.
“The department believes this proposed renewable energy project is sited appropriately, and it is consistent with the department’s climate goals,” ODFW Regional Wildlife Conservation Biologist Susan Barnes said.
NEXT officials said the renewable diesel facility would be a cornerstone investment in making Oregon’s clean fuel goals a reality.
“Renewable diesel is 60-80 percent cleaner than traditional petroleum diesel and because it is chemically identical to petroleum diesel, it can be used in current diesel fleets without any vehicle modifications,” NEXT said in a release. “Renewable diesel is made by converting
recycled organic material, like cooking oil, into fuel and it costs the same at the pump.”
Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman said The NEXT project will meet a rapidly growing demand for clean, renewable fuels in the United States and will benefit the local community.
“The City of Clatskanie will benefit greatly from (the plant) locating near our community,” Hinkelman said. “Our residents will find new work. Our taxing districts will get a new source of sustainable funding. Our local environment will thrive.”
Estimates provided by NEXT show the facility would generate more than $16 million in annual tax revenue to Columbia County.
Tax revenues could be used for public safety, libraries, veterans’ programs or other county services. The facility will create more than 3,500 green jobs during construction and more than 240 permanent green jobs during
operation. An independent study anticipates that the majority of work will be filled by Oregonians, according to Efird, who emphasized a corporate focus on hiring locally first.
“NEXT has committed to restoring more than 450 acres of wetlands,” Clatskanie School District Superintendent Cathy Hurowitz said. “Not only will Columbia County get a clean fuels facility and green jobs, but we will also get a thriving wetland that enhances our local ecosystem.”
The Clatskanie School District is coordinating with NEXT to create an environmental science curriculum for local students. The program would be tied to wetland restoration and provide students with both in-classroom and hands-on learning opportunities.
During the public review process for the land use permits, opponents of the plant expressed fears that biodiesel fuel production would be
detrimental to surrounding wildlife, properties, and agriculture.
The President of Beaver Drainage District Warren Seely called the mitigation site “a massive host site for agriculturally damaging weeds and pests,” and lodged concerns over the drainage of 650,000 gallons of wastewater the NEXT plant would
produce.
The plant project was launched in 2016 and applications started in 2019 for official review. NEXT officials will now continue through the state and federal public permitting processes.
If the project is approved, NEXT officials expect the plant construction to be completed by 2024.
Year in Review 2022
Details of intense manhunt emerging
JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.Court records now reveal the intense moments of the hunt for Kevin James Reynolds, who law enforcement described as an ‘armed and dangerous’ wanted felon.
Following several days of an intense manhunt that began in Cowlitz County, moved into Columbia County and ended in Clatsop County, deputies captured Kevin James Reynolds without incident around noon Thursday, Nov. 17.
On Nov. 15 Reynolds brandished a gun at several deputies as they approach a house in the Rainier area with a search warrant. He then kidnapped a woman at gunpoint, shot the gun at a passing driver in an attempted carjacking, and fled, according to KATU’s summary of the court records.
Reynolds was lodged at the Columbia County Jail in St. Helens as of Tuesday, Nov. 22. He faces several criminal charges including:
• Second Degree Kidnapping
• Menacing
• Reckless Endangering
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Fugitive from Another State
• Carrying Concealed/ Possession Firearm
• Second Degree Bur glary Crime
Background
The search began Tues day, Nov. 15, in the Rainier area last week after Cowlitz County notified the Colum bia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) that Reynolds was possibly in the area of Heath Road and Old Rainier Highway.
Reynolds was wanted on multiple criminal charges in Cowlitz County including robbery, assault, vehicle theft and witness intimidation.
During the Tuesday manhunt, Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said the Oregon State Police SWAT responded to the location and used distractionary devices, loudspeakers, and drones equipped with Forward Looking InfraRed (FLIR). The search included K9’s from St. Helens Police Department and Longview Police Department.
“The suspect did fire his gun at a passing car that was hit. The driver was not injured,” Pixley told The Chief.
As the search intensified Tuesday, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office posted a Facebook alert to residents in the area.
“Reynolds is considered to be armed and dangerous. Residents in the area are asked to secure their homes and stay inside. If you spot Reynolds, call 9-1-1,” the
day night, stating that law enforcement had completed a search including buildings, homes, and property west of Rainier in an attempt to locate Reynolds, but he was not found. The search was suspended that night but was resumed Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 16.
Search resumed
“Someone believed they saw a male subject matching the suspect’s description via a security camera,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “We covered the area between Apiary Road to Elk Creek Road and from Cannon Road to Highway 30.”
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State
Vernonia Police were involved in the Wednesday search from approximately 12 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Due to the manhunt, law enforcement advised the Rainier School District to go into a lock-in. The district remained closed Thursday. Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick posted a message on the district’s webpage about the incident.
“We were contacted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department to go into a lock-in,” the message stated. “A lock-in is where nobody is permitted to enter or leave the building due to a situation outside. Our students and staff were safe and there was no immediate threat to the students.”
In his message Hattrick said that at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday, the district began to release students to parents/guardians.
“The Rainier School District was in continual communication with law enforcement and we were informed at approximately 4 p.m. that the search perimeter had been removed and the suspect was not located,” Hattrick said. “We understand the stress this has placed on our students, staff, families, and community. Additionally, we do not have clear information about the whereabouts of the suspect. As a result of the unknown whereabouts of the suspect and in an effort to keep people in their
homes, the Rainier School District will be closed Thursday, November 17, 2022. All activities will also be cancelled.”
The Rainier School District was expected to resume normal operations Friday, Nov. 18, but due to a staffing shortage, the schools remained closed.
Crime insight
Following the capture of Reynolds, The Chief reached out to Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley for insight into this case and what appears to be a rise in violent offenders in the area.
The Chief: It seems Columbia County is seeing more and more dangerous felons fleeing to our area from Cowlitz County and other surrounding areas. Specifically, this case with Reynolds, the case with the suspect that hit the OSP patrol car injuring the trooper, and the suspect that was fatally shot at Grumpy’s Towing. Why do you believe that is?
Brian Pixley: There appears to be an increase in crimes statewide. There are many reasons for this increase, including the decriminalization of major drug classifications, a lack of mental health care, bail reform that requires early release for some crimes and lack of proper resources for law enforcement.
The Chief: How are these incidents helping to strengthen the partnerships between the CCSO and other law enforcement agencies?
Pixley: CCSO has a strong partnership with many local law enforcement agencies. We are all limited on funding and already rely heavily on one another, but working major incidents together develops stronger personal and professional relationships
The Chief: Overall, what would be your suggestions to residents and business operators about this sort of danger that can happen anywhere, anytime. And your specific recommendations to anyone who might find themselves in such an incident?
Pixley: My suggestion to businesses and residents is to get involved. Make sure your voices are heard at the local level. Speak with your city council members and your board of county commissioners to ensure law enforcement and mental health are properly funded. Also, speak to your state and federal legislators to ensure they understand what is important to the people they represent. Together, we can accomplish great things.
Join the conversation. Post your comments with this story at thechiefnews. com.
Closing one chapter, opening another
Oregon Supreme Court issues ruling on Ballot 114
current law.
The Oregon Supreme Court has rejected a request from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum to “immediately” review a temporary restraining order by Harney County Judge Robert Raschio, which prevents enforcement of Measure 114.
The high court’s action late Dec. 7, means that Measure 114 is still in limbo and would not take effect, Dec. 8.
Judge Raschio ruling Tuesday, Dec. 6, came just hours after Federal Judge Karin Immergut in Portland allowed the measure to continue, though she put a hold on the provision in the measure that would require a permit to purchase a firearm.
According to court documents, Judge Raschio placed a temporary restraining order on the measure until December 13, when the courts will decide whether a further injunction is necessary.
As the basis for his ruling, Judge Raschio ruled that the measure does not enable Oregonians to exercise their Second Amendment rights to purchase a firearm or bear a magazine capable of holding ten or more rounds.
“Deprivation of funda -
mental constitutional rights for any period constitutes irreparable harm,” The judge ruled.
Background
Measure 114, which seeks to make sweeping gun control regulations, narrowly passed in Oregon by a 50.7% majority.
The measure would require a permitting process to purchase a weapon; ban the sale, manufacturing, and transfer of magazines holding more than ten rounds; and background checks that must be completed before a gun may be sold or transferred. Part of the permit process would require safety training and a demonstration in the presence of a police chief or sheriff.
OSP Statement
Oregon State Police (OSP) released the following details late Wednesday, Dec. 7.
“An injunction has delayed the implementation of Ballot Measure 114. With that new information, we wanted to give you an update on what it means here at the Oregon State Police.
The OSP’s Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) unit will continue to work to process and resolve the pended/delayed FICS transactions. This delay of implementation will allow firearm sales to continue being processed under the
OSP continues to work with our partners to set up the Oregon Permit to Purchase program with our partners at the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association (OSSA) and the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP). OSSA and OACP are still working through the training requirement portion of the application process.
At this time, Permit Agents are not able to accept or start processing Permit to Purchase appli -
cations. On December 8, 2022, OSP will be launch ing a “Permit to Purchase” webpage with preliminary information such as the Permit to Purchase Ap plication, a description of the steps for acquiring a permit, as well as other information including an swers to questions that we are anticipating.”
Follow this developing story at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print edi tions of The Chief.
substance-involved fatalities increased 1%, of note is for the first time since 2014 drug only fatalities saw a decrease 17%, alcohol only involved fatalities (fatality is one person rather than one crash) saw a 5% increase and fatalities involving either alcohol or drugs decreased 9%.
Poly-substance fatalities, which have increased every year since 2014, saw a 30% increase from 2017-2018.
In Oregon, overall substance involved crashes (the table above is people) increased 1% from 20172018. Fatal and serious injuries (people) as a result of substance-involved crashes increased 6%.
From 2017-2018, substance involved crashes that resulted in a fatal or serious injury increased from 15% to 17% and of note, substance involved fatal and serious injury crashes account for 25% of all fatal and serious injury crashes.
The public may not be aware but Under Oregon DUII law, a person commits the offense of driving while under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) if the person drives a vehicle, upon a premise open to the public, while the person:
If a person in Oregon is driving under the influence of drugs there is no legal limit. In addition, a person may be arrested for DUII even if they are below the legal limit.
• Over 21 - .08 BAC
• Under 21 - .01 BAC
• Commercial Drivers - .04 BAC
Effects of commonly misused drugs on driving
Marijuana affects psychomotor skills and cognitive functions critical to driving including vigilance, drowsiness, time and distance perception, reaction time, divided attention, lane tracking, coordination, and balance.
Opioids can cause drowsiness and can impair cognitive function.
After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found in the blood of drivers involved in crashes. Tests for detecting marijuana in drivers measure the level of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), marijuana’s mind-altering ingredient, in the blood. But the role that marijuana plays in crashes is often unclear.
THC can be detected in body fluids for days or even weeks after use, and it is often
driving in Oregon
research is needed.
Along with marijuana, prescription drugs are also commonly linked to drugged driving crashes. In 2016, 19.7 percent of drivers who drove while under the influence tested positive for some type of opioid. https://www. drugabuse.gov/publications/ drugfacts/drugged-driving.
Penalties for DUII in Oregon
The average cost for a first-time DUII in Oregon is $4,500; however, it can be as much as $10,000 and even more if someone is injured or killed.
In the State of Oregon, Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) is either a Class A misdemeanor or a Class C Felony. Misdemeanor DUII is punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of $6,250. Felony DUII is punishable by a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $125,000.
In Oregon, DUII is a misdemeanor crime unless you have three or more prior DUII convictions in the past 10 years. If convicted of misdemeanor DUII, your Oregon driving privileges will be suspended for one year, three years, or revoked for life, depending on your driving record. If convicted of felony DUII, your driving privileges will be revoked for life.
In addition to the charge of DUII, many face additional charges arising out of the same incident. Reckless Driving, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Criminal Mischief, and other charges often accompany a DUII charge, and heighten the risk
conviction misdemeanor
• Fines: minimum of $1,000 fine.
• Jail Time: minimum two days in jail.
• Driver’s License Suspension: One year driver’s license suspension (ignition interlock hardship driving permit may be available after first 30 days of suspension).
• Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for one year upon driver’s license reinstatement.
• 80 hours community service may be given instead of jail or fine if courts think this appropriate.
• Complete alcohol / drug screening interview and treatment program.
• Possible attendance at victim impact treatment sessions.
• Mandatory alcohol evaluation.
• OR SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement.
Second DUII offenseconviction misdemeanor
• Fines: minimum of $1,500 fine.
• Jail Time: Two days to one year in jail.
• Driver’s License Suspension: Three years driver’s license suspension (ignition interlock hardship driving permit may be available after first one year of suspension).
• Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for two years upon drivers license reinstatement.
• Complete alcohol / drug screening interview and treatment program.
• Possible attendance at victim impact treatment sessions.
• Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for two years upon. drivers license reinstatement
• Complete alcohol / drug screening interview and treatment program.
• Possible attendance at victim impact treatment sessions.
• Mandatory alcohol evaluation.
• OR SR22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility) Requirement.
In addition to the above penalties you may be required to attend a Victim Impact Panel and hear from victims how an impaired driver impacted their lives. Also few people realize that DUII convictions impact insurance rates, and can impact your ability to even obtain insurance. If convicted of a felony, that conviction stays on your record for life and can affect your ability to find employment.
Finally, the choice to drive impaired can impact you the rest of your life, if you kill or injure someone you may be ordered to pay restitution in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Some people convicted of DUII never get out from under their debt and it impacts their financial future, forever.
How to prevent drinking and driving
With all the ride shares and alternatives available it is difficult to understand why impaired driving still remains such an issue; however, drugs and alcohol impair judgement so the best way to avoid drinking and driving is to have a plan, and to stick to it, prior to going out to drink or prior to using drugs. Making a plan
judgement is already impaired.
not drink alcohol. Order a non-
• Never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do plan on drinking, eat plenty of food and drink water.
• If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride like Uber or Lyft.
• Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
• If you can safely do so, protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse.
Remember choosing to drive impaired is a choice that can have consequences for the rest of your life.
Resources
• National Highway Transportation Safety Administration - https://www.nhtsa.gov/ campaign/drive-sober-or-getpulled-over.
• Traffic Safety Marketing Materials from NHTSA - https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials.
• MADD - https://www. madd.org/the-problem Cate Duke – President of MADD Oregon – (541) 343 – 8115, or.state@madd.org.
This article was first published in Jan. 2021.
Fact
AAA study shows rise in dangerous
behaviors
Texting While Driving
• 92% think it’s very or extremely dangerous.
Comply with speed limits
A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, red-light running, drowsy driving, and driving impaired on cannabis or alcohol, rose from 2020 to 2021.
The most alarming increase was among drivers admitting to getting behind the wheel after drinking enough that they felt they were over the legal limit –an increase of nearly 24%. This is a reversal in the steady declines in these dangerous driving behaviors in the three years from 2018 through 2020.
This survey is done every year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. For more than a decade, the annual Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) looks at driver behaviors and attitudes.
“The reversal in the frequency of U.S. drivers engaging in risky driving behavior is disturbing,” said Dr. David Yang, Executive Director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “We must be aware of the serious consequences of dangerous driving behaviors and change course.”
“This study shows a big disconnect between driver attitudes and behaviors. Drivers know behaviors such as speeding or driving impaired are dangerous and that their loved ones would disapprove. But many drivers still admit to engaging in risky behaviors in the past 30 days,” AAA Oregon/Idaho AAA public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said.
As in previous years, drivers reported too often engaging in risky behaviors that they know are dangerous and would meet with disapproval from friends or family. For example:
• 96% think someone important to them would disapprove.
• 26% admitted to doing it in the last 30 days.
Aggressive driving
• 88% think it’s very or extremely dangerous.
• 96% think someone important to them would disapprove.
• 23% admitted to doing it in the last 30 days.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, traffic fatalities have risen. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes last year, a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
According to NHTSA, dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, alcohol impairment, and nonuse of seatbelts account for a considerable proportion of the increased fatalities. Accordingly, AAA urges drivers to keep everyone safe on the roads and avoid dangerous driving habits.
In Oregon, 599 people died in crashes in 2021, according to data from the Oregon Crash Analysis & Reporting Unit, compared to 507 people in 2020. This is an increase of 18% and the largest number since 2003 when 512 people lost their lives in crashes. Find more information at the ODOT Crash Statistics & Reports website.
For 2022, the Oregon year-to-date fatalities as of November 28 are 512 compared to 543 for the same period last year. This is a decrease of 5.7%.
AAA recommends these safe driving tips:
Drivers tend to overestimate the time saved by speeding. You’d have to travel 100 miles to save roughly 5 minutes, moving at 80 mph instead of 75 mph. Speed kills and isn’t worth the cost.
Out of sight, out of mind
Stow your smartphone away, turn it to airplane mode, or activate call/text blocking features such as Apple’s Do Not Disturb.
Only drive sober
If you consume marijuana, alcohol, or use potentially impairing prescription medications, then don’t drive. And if you’re going to drive, then don’t consume these substances.
Stay alert
Stop driving if you become sleepy because you could fall asleep at any time. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision, causing people who are very tired to behave in similar ways to those who are drunk.
Buckle up on every ride
A properly worn seatbelt is the most effective way to survive a traffic crash. The annual TSCI identifies attitudes and behaviors related to traffic safety. The survey data are from a sample of more than 2,657 licensed drivers ages 16 or older who completed the online survey and reported driving in the 30 days before the survey.
Data from the 2021 TSCI were collected between July 26 and August 30, 2021, using a probability-based sampling panel representative of the U.S. population. The AAA Foundation issued its first TSCI in 2008, and the latest report is online at AAAFoundation.org.