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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2021

VOL. 130, NO. 34 Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891

Winter takes hold in Columbia County JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Snow and very cold temperatures challenged Columbia County residents and visitors this week and more winter conditions are expected next week.

Starting Saturday, Dec. 25, a series of snow storms moved across the county.

National Weather Service (NWS) Meteorologist Rebecca Muessle in Portland said temperatures ranged into the low to mid 20s overnight and warming only to the low to upper 30s during the day.

“The cooler temperatures are likely to linger through the weekend,” she said.

Snow is likely again Saturday with a mix of snow and rain Sunday, Tuesday and again Wednesday.

Temperatures are forecasted in the low 40s during the days and dipping to the upper 30s at night.

Snow totals this week ranged from four to six inches in St. Helens to seven to 10 inches in the higher elevations of the county.

Muessle said a combination of Arctic air flowing into the region from the north and moisture swirling in from the Pacific Ocean has created the winter storms.

The adverse weather challenged drivers and pedestrians since Saturday as the snowstorms moved across the county. The Oregon Department of Transportation and local law enforcement agencies urge drivers to slow down and be prepared for icy conditions over the next several days.

For the latest road conditions, visit TripCheck.com or dial 511.

Follow weather developments 24/7 at thechiefnews.com.

2021 in review The Chief presents the following top 12 local stories of 2021 in this special edition.

Our team carefully reviewed the Chief’s front-page editions during the past 12 months of 2021 and we have found the following stories to be the most impactful and of the most interest to our readers.

The Chief team is committed to presenting not only developing stories that impact our readers, but we strive to find the stories showing how people in our community are making a positive difference.

Look for our exclusive indepth features, Who We Are and Where We Live, as well as special news reports and special advertising sections in upcoming editions this New Year.

Follow daily news at thechiefnews.com with indepth reporting here and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.

Jeremy C. Ruark Publisher / Executive Editor

Viewpoints ..................... A4

Obituaries ...................... A4 Classified Ads ............... A6

Legals ............................. A6

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Snow-topped branches of this tree showing the beauty of the winter storm.

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Snow- and ice-covered streets and roads throughout Columbia County during the series of storms.

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Mayors look ahead to 2021 MONIQUE MERRILL For The Chief

Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of special reports you’ll read only in The Chief in the weeks ahead providing insight from members of our community into what we might expect in 2021.

Our first report focuses on viewpoints from city hall in Clatskanie and Rainier.

With a new year comes new goals and a look ahead at what’s to come. Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich shared optimism about the coming months in 2021 and what projects are in the works for the city.

“I am hoping next year will be looking much better,” Brajcich said. “With the vaccine rolling out we can start to get back to normal.”

He said he looks forward to swimming in the new recondition pool, a project the city has been working toward. The pool was built in 1958 and is in need of upgrading and renovation estimated to cost around $600,000.

“I am hoping that through this tough year we have become a closer community, since now we know how much we need each other,” Brajcich said. “We have some rough months ahead of us to start the year out.”

One of the largest topics on Brajcich’s mind is the wellbeing of the children in the community who have missed out on a lot this year, he said.

A key project for Clatskanie in 2021 will be a nearly $600,000 renovation of the city’s swimming pool.

“It will be great to get them back in school,” he said. Exactly when that may happen is not set in stone, but the state recently relaxed the rules around in-person education to put more control into local governments.

Brajcich also said local dining establishments are on his mind and need the support of the community.

“I ask all to give them all your

support during this trying time,” he said. “They have served us well and we need them to always be there for us.”

The largest project on Clatskanie’s radar, however is upgrading the sewer plant and finding the funding to support it. Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman previously told The Chief the new plant will cost approximately $10 million and the city is looking for

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

community block grants to help secure some funding.

The sewer plant and the pool are the largest projects in front of the city for 2021, Brajcich said.

The lessons learned from 2020 will follow the community into the New Year too, he said.

“What we learned from 2020 is to wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands and avoid large groups,” he said. “I also believe

Crossword ..................... A7 Don’t Drink and Drive A10

ColumbiaCountyOR.Gov/Vaccine | 503-397-7247

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Clatskanie Elementary resumes in-person classes Monique Merrill / The Chief

Students in grades one and below arrived by bus and family vehicles at Clatskanie Elementary School for the first in-person school day of the year on Monday, Feb. 1.

MONIQUE MERRILL For The Chief

In-person school is back in session at just one school in Columbia County. Clatskanie Elementary school opened its doors to kindergarten and first-grade students on Monday, and elementary schools in St. Helens, Scappoose and Rainier plan to follow suit in the coming weeks.

Modifications to the state’s in-person schooling metrics and changing the metrics from mandatory to advisory have opened the door for in-person classes to resume,

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though each district has created its own plan on how to proceed.

The Oregon Department of Education, its “Ready Schools, Safe Learners” guidance Jan. 19, which updated the metrics a county needs to meet to transition to hybrid classes. With the change, Columbia County schools became eligible to reopen though some district leaders have expressed concern.

Under the new metrics, counties with a case rate of between 200 to 350 new cases per 100,000 people over a two week period can transition in on-site and hybrid learning

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for elementary schools. For secondary students to transition to on-site and hybrid learning, case rates must drop to between 50 and 200 cases per 100,00 people in a twoweek period.

In the two-week period from Jan. 17-30, the county case rate was 136.5 cases per 100,00 people.

Clatskanie Kindergarten and firstgrade students returned to school for in-person instruction Feb. 1 at Clatskanie Elementary School, and Principal Kara Burghardt said

in

the plan is to bring grades two through four back Feb. 8, followed by grades five and six on Feb. 16.

All student cohorts in the building for limited in-person instruction will remain in the building on Feb. 1, Burghardt said.

Any students that were allowed to be on campus prior to the transition will still be allowed to be on campus.

Some student cohorts have been allowed limited in-person instruction at the schools.

The Clatskanie Family Academy online education program started Feb. 1 as well.

Rainier A new return-to-school rollout plan was announced by the Rainier School District on Feb. 2. The plan has students grade three and below and junior and senior high school students returning to in-person instruction on Feb. 16. Grades four through eight are set for Feb. 22 and high school freshmen and sophomores set for March 1.

With the return will come a strict adherence to health and safety protocols for students and anyone on school property, Superintendent Joseph Hattrick said.

“Now with vaccines, some people get confused with regard to the flexibility that that may afford them, but it doesn’t afford them to not wear a mask. That’s a nonnegotiable, vaccine or not,” Hattrick said.

St. Helens March 8 is set for the start of hybrid in-person instruction for preschool and first-grade students in St. Helens School District, according to a letter to district families on Feb. 2.

Families have until Feb. 19 to indicate whether they would like to

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Pit murder case: ‘Justice system failed’ JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

“This has been one long nightmare with continuous slaps in the face,” Dena Nordstrom told The Chief in response to the current court outcome involving murder and a Rainier teen charged in the case.

Nordstrom’s daughter suffered serious injuries in the incident.

The incident The juvenile, Kyle Snook, faced murder charges after he allegedly drove through a gathering at the Hunt Creek rock pit in Clatsop County, killing one person and injuring others.

On July 25, at approximately 4 a.m. Clatsop County deputies were called to the rock pit, east of Nicolai Mountain off Highway 30, for a report of a hit-and-run. Deputies investigating the incident learned that a large gathering had occurred at the rock pit and Snook left the area after allegedly driving his vehicle through a crowd of people.

Three people in the crowd received serious injuries from being hit by the vehicle. Robert Betschart, of Rainier, died as a result of his injuries, according to the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.

Snook was later arrested in Rainier by members of the Clatsop County Major Crimes Team.

Snook faced charges of

murder in the second degree, manslaughter in the first degree, five counts of felony vehicular assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants. Snook was held at the Cowlitz Detention Facility because Clatsop County does not have a juvenile detention center.

Clatsop County District Attorney Ron Brown had requested that the case be moved to adult court. But following a hearing in mid February, Clatsop County Judge Dawn McIntosh denied the motion.

Brown also expressed disappointment about the current sentencing law involving juveniles and the judge’s order not to move the murder case to adult court.

“We fought like hell to get him remanded to adult court,” Brown told The Chief. “The law has totally changed the lay of the land. This is not our choice. This is the way it is. I feel so bad for the victims.”

Under Oregon’s Measure 11 law, Brown said prosecutors were able to indict juveniles directly into adult court but under a state legislative approved waiver, juveniles who commit such violent acts of crime and who remain in juvenile court custody are likely not to receive the harsher sentencing that they might if they were convicted in adult court.

“As it stands, he (Snook) has less than a seven-year sentence and they can parole him,” Brown said. “He’s basically done with the system at age 25.”

Metro Creative Connections / The Chief

The Oregon District Attorneys Association wants the state legislature to approve clarifications in the way Oregon’s criminal justice system prosecutes violent crimes committed by juveniles.

Families’ reaction “Because of this new law, my brother’s murderer and the man who assaulted these others was sentenced only in juvenile court, due to the fact he was 2.5 months shy of his 18th birthday,” Kristin Schumacher said. “As it was explained to us, because he is being charged as a juvenile now, the max sentence is till his 25th birthday. However, if the detention facility deems that he is rehabilitated, they can decide to let him out whenever they see fit.

He can be out in a year.”

According to the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA), if the youth remains in the juvenile system, they would still be held accountable and face penalties, just with differences in where the youth can be placed while in OYA custody, and a difference in how long they can stay in custody.

A sentencing hearing date

of March 29 is set for Snook, who remains in the OYA custody. According to Nordstrom, Snook is pleading to manslaughter, assault 2, and three counts of assault 3 and DUI. “This is outrageous, Robert is dead and my daughter will never walk normal again,” Nordstrom said. “This law was made with only the juveniles in mind, with no thought of the victims and their families. This new law is supposed to be fairer, help reduce victimization and increase positive outcome.

This law basically is saying if you commit murder and you’re under 18 it’s OK because you don’t know any better.”

Nordstrom describes the juvenile justice system as “a giant pendulum swinging either hard right or left,” and Oregon lawmakers need to find a middle ground.

“If you commit murder/ manslaughter you should be judged by a jury not a judge,

you get no waiver or remand Law adjustment proposed hearing, you should have to ETERSEN LARKELLC LLC ETERSEN LARKE The Oregon District Atstay in OYA until you turn 25, AAshe tt tt oo rrtorneys nn ee yyAssociation ss (ODAA) is with no stepping down,” lobbying for state legislation to said. “This law should have (503) 556-4120 adjust the sentencing law. been brought before(503) the voters,556-4120 According to the ODAA, in not Kate Brown.”

2019, Senate Bill 1008 made NordstromColumbia said the case Columbia County’s County’s Premier Premier sweeping changes to the way should be a wake-up call for Personal Injury Injury Attorneys Attorneys Oregon’s criminal justice syseveryone. Personal Li iccthis se in OOrreego go Waash shin ingto gto eennse dd in nn && W nn tem prosecutes violent crimes “No one wins Lin case,” committed by juveniles. she said. “A young man is The ODAA is supporting dead, (Robert Betschart), Kalee Senate Bill 215, which the Nordstrom will never have the association says makes needed active life she wanted because clarifications to the “wavier” of her injuries, the emotional process and ensures victims and psychological toll it has and their families have the foltaken on the victims families will never go away. Our justice lowing information about their cases: system has failed for Robert ETERSEN LARKELLC LLC ETERSEN LARKE who can not speak for himself • Ensures victims are proand all the other victimsA out A tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss tected and that waiver is posthere this new measure has sible when the facts warrant it.

(503) 556-4120 impacted. I just hope(503) that no 556-4120 • Ensures case information other family has to go through is made available to victims this nightmare.”

Accidents •Personal •Personal Injury Injury •Wrongful Death Accidents •Wrongful Death while protecting the privacy of Nordstrom said she and the juvenile-defendant.

Kristin Schumacher, the sister No Fee Until Recovery Recovery No Fee of Robert Betschart, want to Until The ODAA has issued a raise awareness so that the curgonn && W Wfull shin ingto gtonn OOrreego aash statement concerning the rent juvenile offender sentencneed to adjust the way the ing law can be rewritten fairly FREE INITIAL INITIAL CONSULTATION CONSULTATION FREE criminal justice system prosfor both victims and juvenile ecutes violent crimes commitoffenders. ted by juveniles. Read that full “We are wanting justice. statement attached to this story We are wanting more accountat thechiefnews.com. ability,” Nordstrom said.

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PETERSEN ETERSEN CLARKE LARKE P C Stephen D. Petersen Petersen llc Stephen D. llc A tt tt oo rr nn ee yy ss Aattorney attorney

(503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) Specializing in in Accident Accident Injuries Injuries Specializing gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn IInn OOrreego

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Friday, December 31, 2021

•V iewpoints • •

Happy New Year, Clatskanie BOB BRAJCICH Chief Guest Article

I hope all is well, and the New Year brings you blessings.

The year 2022 is looking better than what we have been through the last couple of years. The big news is the possibility of a renewable diesel plant. NEXT Energy will bring 240 family wage jobs to our area. NEXT will be the largest tax payer in Columbia County.

Courtesy photo

Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich

What NEXT would produce Renewable diesel is a

carbon reducing fuel, that has no soot or odor. It is very clean in both its production and use.

It is tank ready, meaning it requires no engine changes. California is converting all diesel plants and will require all trucks to use renewable diesel.

It is a renewable fuel that can have a positive effect on our timber and farming.

A carbon tax could have devastating effects on local business.

There are concerns about Next Energy on local farming. I hope and believe that NEXT and our local farming can be helpful

partners. Brandon Schilling has hopes to create local farming. I fully support Brandon in his efforts. I hope that this something that the county could help with. It would be a carbon reducing project that would bring fresh and healthy food to our tables.

Humps More good news and hopes, is the pending sale of the Hump’s building. That is the center of our town and it would be great to see the lights on once again. It is planned for several different businesses.

Hope is that we can fill all our vacant buildings in the near future.

The City will be moving forward with a new sewer treatment plant. This is a very expansive venture that will be paid with grants. I would like to thank Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman and his fine staff for their hard work in securing these grants. This my no means is an easy task and will save Clatskanie tax payers a large sum of money.

the COVID-19 pandemic will come to an end, and we can go back to normal lives.

The children are back in school and activities are returning. My heart goes out to all that have suffered under this terrible illness.

Hope to see all well and happy.

We have much to be thankful living in a small town that no matter what we go through, we are always friends and neighbors.

I wish all well and happy New Year.

COVID-19 pandemic

Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich may be reached at 503-728-2622.

The hope for all, is that

Rainier looks ahead to 2022 JERRY COLE Chief Guest Article

The end of 2021 is quickly approaching, and it has been a very productive year for the City of Rainier.

Our city council and staff have been working towards achieving many long-term goals set forth by the citizens of the community.

Critical goal One critical goal has been enhanced public participation. We re-formed the Parks Committee early in the year and that group has started meeting regularly.

Its goal is to make recommendations for future park amenities at different cityowned properties that are currently underutilized. A citywide survey was conducted to help determine what park improvements Rainier residents want to see. The committee is in the process of using that input to guide its decisions.

Also, recently restarted was the Rainier Library Board. The city recognizes how important its library is

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Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole tosses candy to spectators lining the street during the abbreviated summer Rainier Days Parade.

to people of all ages, and council wanted input from a group representing its different users.

2021 accomplishments I’m pleased to report that for the first time ever, our city council meetings are now being broadcast live online and on local public access television. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and it will provide greater transpar-

ency by enabling everyone to watch our meetings in real time, or at their convenience.

Our Planning Commission did a great job of working with staff to put together ordinances allowing food carts and vacation rentals within city limits. Those were passed by council.

Despite the pandemic, we were able to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of our historic city hall building with a socially-distanced open house event in April.

This year saw us complete the main phase of the long-planned riverfront trail project. The City has been awarded grant funding to complete the next and final phase, which will use a bridge to connect the park to our downtown plaza area.

Public works has been very busy replacing all of the water meters in town.

That was a major undertaking. Another was the D Street loop, which saw the replacement of water and sewer lines and a repaving of streets that were in need of repair.

We did face a slight setback in November when

our old water treatment plant building caught on fire.

Luckily, nobody was hurt, and our public works staff did a great job of making sure residents could still have uninterrupted service.

The future What will 2022 hold for the City of Rainier? Well, we’re taking a look at some bigger picture issues. They include updating the city’s flood plain ordinance and annexation policies and examining whether our existing urban growth boundary should be adjusted to better meet our needs. Council may

also start the process of vacating various rights of way that no longer make sense for the City to have.

The City should be able to continue making infrastructure improvements with its share of federal American Relief Plan Act funds. Our water master plan update is almost complete, and we should be receiving grant funding soon to conduct a feasibility study of how to best resolve the flooding and fish passage issues on Fox Creek.

Rainier is fortunate to have dedicated volunteers on its council and city committees. City Administrator Scott

Jorgensen has been on the job for just over a year and is helping to move us forward with all of the projects we have in the works. Similarly, Public Works Director Sue Lawrence and Police Chief Gregg Griffith are ensuring that their departments are responsive to citizens’ needs.

Our staff thrives to provide the best service possible, and it remains my highest honor to be mayor of this city.

Anyone wishing to contact me can call 503396-0683 or email mayor@ cityofrainier.com.

Jerry Cole is the Mayor of Rainier.

•O bituaries • • Patricia Alyce Simpier April 9, 1940 ~ Nov. 26, 2021

Patricia Alyce Simpier nee Taylor, age 81, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Nov. 26, 2021 at Community Home Health and Hospice in Longview, Washington.

Pat was born on April 9, 1940 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Lucile Tharp. They youngest of two daughters, Patricia was raised in California and graduated from Modesto High School in 1958. She continued to live in California for many years before moving with her family to Clatskanie, Oregon in 1994.

She is survived by her two children, April Chris-

tensen and Steven Simpier, six grandchildren, Matthew, Derek, Rachel, Victor and Roman; and six greatgrandchildren, LJ, Reyna,

Angelica, Morelia, Sebastian and Gavita.

Besides spending time with family and friends, Pat had a passion for reading, creating and appreciating art and solving puzzles.

Family also fondly remembers her love for gardening and the beautiful life she fostered and took pride in. Patricia also enjoyed sewing and teaching her grandchildren to mend and cook.

The family would like to thank the hospice center for their tender care, as well as all the love and support for Patricia on her final days.

A celebration of life will be held late summer of 2022.

Russell George

Dec. 6, 1968 ~ Dec. 17, 2021 Russ George of Clatskanie, Oregon, born on Dec. 6, 1968, passed away on Dec. 17, 2021.

Russ was often known as Officer George out of Rainier and Columbia County. He was passionate about his career; earning multiple Lifesaving awards, Officer of the Year and awarded the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart.

Before his career in law enforcement, Russ served in the United States Army and Oregon National Guard as a Cavalry Scout and made the rank of Sergeant.

Besides law enforcement or the military, Russ loved

being outside whether it was to cut firewood, playing on his tractor, riding horses or helping on the family Seely

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

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Mint Farm. His sense of humor would always make the darkest times bright.

He will be survived by his parents, Michael and Karen George; wife Julie George; two children, Phillip George and Shelbie George/ Hamer; three stepsons, Jaden Corley, and Jared and Hunter Johnson; two brothers, Scott Dye and Michael George Jr. and their wives; his grandchildren; and his beloved dog Annabelle.

There will be a service for Russell at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2022 at the Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon.

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Drug investigation nets 3 arrests, guns, cash in the immediate vicinity can accidentally ingest the substance through their respiratory system, causing them to overdose.

“The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is saddened when members of our community succumb to their addictions,” Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “Our team has worked diligently over the past couple of months to bring some closure to the families who lost loved ones due to overdose. We realize these arrests are just the tip of the iceberg and CCSO will continue to work on removing dangerous drugs from our community and holding drug dealers accountable.”

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

During the past several weeks, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has been investigating a series of overdoses in the Rainier and Clatskanie areas.

Deputies learned that pills marketed as Oxycodone 30mg (“Oxy 30s”) are being sold illegally on the street and investigators said the pills have contributed to several of the overdoses. At least two deaths have been tied to the counterfeit Oxycodone pills.

The overdoses have been accidental as people have been purchasing pills they believe to be Oxycodone, while, in actuality, the pills are made with Fentanyl.

Investigators said at least two deaths have been tied to these counterfeit Oxycodone pills.

Fentanyl danger According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pharmaceutical fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer pain. It is 50 to

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Courtesy photo from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office

During execution of the Rainier search warrant investigators recovered several hundred dollars in cash, five firearms, 17.2 grams of heroin, drug transaction records and fentanyl test strips.

100 times more potent than morphine. It is prescribed in the form of transdermal patches or lozenges and can be diverted for misuse and abuse in the United States.

However, most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose, and death in the U.S. are linked to illegally made fentanyl. It is sold through illegal drug markets

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for its heroin-like effect. It is often mixed with heroin and/ or cocaine as a combination product — with or without the user’s knowledge — to increase its euphoric effects.

Columbia County deputies were able to obtain some of the suspect pills and they subsequently tested positive for Fentanyl with traces of cocaine and other substances, not Oxycodone.

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Although the suspect pills looked just like Oxy 30s, they appear to be counterfeit which makes them fragile causing them to break or crumble easily. Investigators said that increases the danger because the fragile pill breaks down quicker in the body and if it is crushed into a powder form, the powder can easily become airborne and persons

The arrests During the investigation, deputies executed a search warrant March 28 at the Clatskanie residence of Krista Warren, 28. During the search, Warren was taken into custody and charged with two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Warren posted bail and is currently out of custody.

Deputies executed an additional search warrant April

13 in Rainier. During the service of the search warrant, investigators recovered several hundred dollars in cash, five firearms, 17.2 grams of heroin, drug transaction records and fentanyl test strips.

Tyler Powers, 39, of Rainier was arrested for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Delivery of Heroin, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of Heroin. Brittany Schnelle, 37, of Rainier was arrested for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Delivery of Heroin and Unlawful Possession of Heroin. Both Powers and Schnelle were lodged into the Columbia County Jail.

Addition resources Pixley said there are resources available for people suffering from drug additions.

“If you or someone you know has addiction issues, please seek help by calling the Columbia Community Mental Health (CCMH) crisis line at 503-782-4499,” he said.

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CMHS Softball Team takes State 3A Title JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

The Clatskanie Middle/ High School Softball team has ended an amazing season, with an overall record of 15 wins and one loss. The team went on to capture the Final Four 3A State Tournament title.

In the following conversation, The Chief reviews the season with head coach Kevin Sprague.

The Chief: What do you believe led to such an amazing season for your team?

Kevin Sprague: This season’s success was built on the same core principles we have held for the last four years. Make the game simple and be fundamentally sound and consistent. I believe that when you build on those basic skill sets and principles and consistently preach them the kids will eventually come to understand them and you know that has happened when you hear it repeated between them and their teammates. When this happens they can relax and just play.

I have seen too many good teams trip over themselves trying to make low percentage plays on the ball or on a runner and turn

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The Chief: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.

singles into much bigger plays and it can snowball.

This is not to say we were perfect, but we were better for longer and more often than the other teams.

The Chief: Were there moments during this season in which you had to help the team player through a particular struggle, situation, to keep them on track?

Sprague: There are always those situations during games and seasons but I do not want to expand into anything personal.

The Chief: What players on this team were the leaders and how did they help motivate the team?

The Clatskanie Middle/High School Softball Team with their State Championship trophy.

Sprague: This years senior class of Kalani Ausmus, Shelby Blodgett, Kami Harrison, Kaity Sizemore, Alexis Smith and Olivia Sprague were tremendous leaders and they are a very accomplished group and that can be intimidating to younger players.

That core group each in some way helped mentor the younger players but their biggest leadership skill was probably unknown to them.

For young players to see older more accomplished players go about their work

and see them make mistakes in practice and games and not breakdown or act as if it is the end of the world but just get up and do it again better than the last time.

To see them manage their emotions and then still succeed eventually frees up the younger player to just play and get better.

You pair up that with an unyielding want to be better and win, this years Senior class in my opinion, will be the gold standard which all future years will be measured against.

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The Chief: What will the players and the coaches gain from this season that will help them throughout their lives?

Sprague: Well it is and has been my goal as a “Coach” to use softball as a tool.

Sure, the immediate goal in front of you is to win softball games and if you do that consistently enough you will win titles but really you are hoping to instill basic successful habits that can be applied to any situation.

So, not just this season, but I hope all the seasons helped them understand that success comes from consistently giving your best effort and that each day you give your best effort will result in some improvement. But more importantly is the understanding that it will not always be evident everyday that you have gotten better but you have to believe and have strong faith in yourself that through the ups and downs of day-to-day life that you are on the right path.

Sprague: I want to thank the parents and all of Clatskanie for their support this year and a special Thank You to the best coaching staff you could possibly have.

Jake Sizemore, Nick Smith, Teauna Hughes and McKenzie Garlock you all have contributed immeasurably to the success of this year’s team.

I also want to send my congratulations to Rainier for a great season, I have the utmost respect for Jim Knox, Lyle Keller, Eric Schimmel and Martha Halloran and their ability to produce highquality softball teams year in and year out.

Clatskanie won the 3A OSAA State Softball Champions in 2019 after defeating Dayton 10-5 in a thrilling matchup at the University of Oregon in Eugene. That year, Clatskanie entered the state final game with an undefeated season. Clatskanie’s 2020 softball season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the 2021 adjusted and abbreviated season opened in late April Sprague said, “We are looking forward to getting going and putting the disappointment of not playing last season behind us.”

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T h e C hief

Burnt house to be removed, property cleared JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Rainier city officials are taking steps to clear a fire-damaged home from property along East E Street.

The remains of the house at 516 East E Street, which were consumed by an electrical fire, have sparked citizens’ concerns about safety and claims that the burnt remains are a neighborhood nuisance. Area neighbors have citied vandalism at the property and expressed concerns that children explore what they consider to be a dangerous site.

In a published interview with The Chief in May, Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said the city

could declare the property a nuisance and have the property cleared.

The Rainier City Council conducted a public hearing, Monday, June 7, to review an ordinance to deal with the damaged home. A neighbor, and former city councilor Judith Taylor, testified that the house is a dangerous nuisance that is falling down. Debris blows into nearby houses when the wind blows and the house smells bad, according to Taylor, who encouraged the council to move forward with declaring the house a nuisance.

Mayor Jerry Cole read an email into the record from attorney Bob Lucas, who is representing the owner’s son, Gabriel, on this mat-

ter. The owner, Nidia Coy, settled her claim with the insurance company for the house fire and returned to her native Costa Rica. Lucas has agreed to help Gabriel apply for a conservatorship so he can obtain court approval to clean up the property. Gabriel, through Lucas, is asking the city to delay enforcement action that may be costly to the Coys and the city. Lucas suggested that the city revisit the item at its next meeting to see what the status on the conservatorship proceeding is.

Following the council session Jorgensen said the council’s proposed ordinance gives the city flexibility, which includes the option of putting a lien on the property to recover the

cost of clean up.

“There is a human element to all of these kind of circumstances and he (Gabriel) wants to move forward and get it done,” Jorgensen said. “I told the property owner’s son I would be willing to testify at any conservatorship proceedings and/ or submit a letter on city stationery stating the city’s position about the need to abate the nuisance.”

Jorgensen said a specific time frame to clear the property has not yet been determined.

“That is up to all those involved,” he said. “Everyone would want to see this cleared up as quickly as possible. My hope is that it could be done within the next three to four months.”

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

The Rainier City Council is moving ahead to have the remains of this burnt house on E Street removed and the property cleared.

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Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW

CC21-1549

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

Commonly known as: 496 S 15TH ST, ST HELENS, OR 97051 Both the Beneficiary, The Money Source Inc., and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 9 Monthly Payment(s) from 05/01/2019 to 01/30/2020 at $971.54 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2020 to 02/28/2020 at $957.59 14 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2020 to 04/30/2021 at $948.94 7 Monthly Payment(s) from 05/01/2021 to 11/30/2021 at $970.86

Total Late Charge(s): 333.85 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $166,236.35 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.37500% per annum from April 1, 2019 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on April 6, 2022 at the hour of 12:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the west entrance to the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand St., Saint Helens, OR 97051

CC21-1555

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: 11/19/2021 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-2528300 Order Number 78848, Pub Dates: 12/17/2021, 12/24/2021, 12/31/2021, 1/7/2022, THE CLATSKANIE CHIEF

CC21-1557

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of PAULINE MARIE REDISKE, Deceased. No. 21PB08494 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against

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

All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain

additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published December 17, 2021. Geraldine Booth, Personal Representative.

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

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of KAREN ELIZABETH OLSEN, Deceased. No. 21PB10412 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate

are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice to the personal representative 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 informa-

tion from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative.

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

CC21-1558

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON In the Matter of the Applications by NEXT Renewable Fuels Oregon, LLC for a Use Permitted Under Prescribed Conditions, Site Design Review and Variance for a Renewable Diesel Production Facility at Port Westward (DR 21-03; V 21-05) and a Conditional Use Permit for a Rail Branchline near Port Westward (CU 21-04) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION) 1. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, January

19, 2022, at or after 10:00 a.m., at the Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. 2. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the applications by NEXT Renewable Fuels Oregon, LLC, for a renewable fuel facility at Port Westward.

NEXT has submitted two applications, which the County has consolidated for review: (1) Application DR 21-03 and V 21-05, for a Use Permitted Under Prescribed Conditions in the Resource Industrial – Planned Development

(RIPD) Zone, Site Design Review and a Variance.

The proposed development includes the construction of a renewable diesel production facility with multiple buildings (office, laboratory, warehouse, maintenance, process control etc.), parking, private roadways, storage tanks, processing equipment, gas flare, wastewater treatment facilities, outdoor laydown yards, electrical equipment, landscaping and security fencing. The variance is for fence height and screening requirements. The approxi-

CC21-1559

NOTICE OF MEETING The Clatskanie City Council will meet on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall in the Clatskanie Cultural Center, 75 South

Nehalem St. (2nd floor).

Agenda items include but are not limited to: approval of the minutes of the Dec. 1st, 2021 regular meeting, a presentation from Columbia Pacific Economic Develop-

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

ment and the first reading of Ordinance 703 rezoning property and amending the City’s comprehensive plan map. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Dec. 30th, 2021.

mately 109-acre site is located at Port Westward, near Clatskanie, Oregon, identified as Tax Map ID Nos. 8422-00-00100, 842200-00200, 8422-00-00300.

The site will be accessed from a driveway to Hermo Road with an emergency secondary access to Kallunki Road. (2) Application CU 21-04 for a Conditional Use Permit to establish a “rail branchline” to connect the site to Portland & Western Railroad’s facilities, which would pass through land zoned Primary Agricultural Use (PA-80)

adjacent to Port Westward near Clatskanie, Oregon, identified as Tax Map ID Nos. 8421-00-00600, 8422-00- 00400, 8422-0000500, 8422-00-00600, 8423-B0-00700 and 8423B0-00800. 3. All interested parties may appear and be heard virtually by: Computer, tablet or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/357054141 New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when the meeting starts: https:// global.gotomeeting.com/ install/870493693 Phone: United States (toll free):

1-866-899-4678 Access Code: 357-054-141 4. If you are in need of any special accommodations to participate at this hearing, please call the Board of County Commissioners Office at (503) 397-4322 at least two days in advance.

5. The hearing will be held according to the procedures in the Columbia County Zoning Ordinance. Dated this 22nd day of December, 2021. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. By: Margaret Magruder, Chair.

The Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.

www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, December 31, 2021

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R eview - J uly 30• •

T h e C hief

Bomb scare triggers evacuations said. “So we responded with a team of specialized dangerous training members along with the Oregon State Police bomb squad and arrived after police got there. We identified an item of concern in the lobby.”

The post office was closed to the public and the employees were evacuated a short distance away after police arrived. Officers placed yellow caution tape around the entrances of the building to keep everyone out while an investigation was conducted.

A member of the OSP bomb squad suited up in protective gear and entered the post office to investigate.

A short time later the bomb squad member re-emerged from the building carrying

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

As evacuated post office employees in the background watch, a member of the Oregon State Police bomb squad walks toward the Rainier Post Office entrance during the investigation.

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A suspicious device discovered inside the Rainier Post Office, at 207 W A Street, brought the Oregon State Police (OSP) bomb squad and U.S. Postal Service inspectors to the scene Monday morning, July 26.

Post office employees notified Rainier Police of the suspicious device shortly after 10 a.m. Monday, according to U.S. Postal Service Inspector Team Leader for Oregon Adam Sale.

“We received a call from the postal service employees at the Rainier Post Office that there was something suspicious in their lobby,” Sale

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a brown paper bag with the device safely inside.

Officials closely examined the device, which they said was not explosive.

“We were able to clear the item and determined that there was no danger or threat to the post office or our customers,” Sale said. “It was something that someone had thrown away. It was still making audible noises. We aren’t quite sure what is it, but we determined nothing was dangerous.”

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. the employees and the public were allowed back into the building and business at the post office resumed.

“I don’t remember anything significant at the

Rainier Post Office over the past that has caused concern like this,” Sale said. “We make sure that we protect our customers and our employees to the best of our ability. If we identify something that is concerning, we will also err on the side of evacuation until we can identify if there is a concern or not.”

The authorities’ response to the Rainier Post Office incident was conducted for caution, Sale said.

“To make sure everybody stayed safe,” he said.

Sale added that if anyone has concerns about criminal activity at their local post office, or mail theft, they should contact the U.S. Postal Service Inspectors Service at 877-876 2455.

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Castle restoration nears completion DEBORAH HAZEN Chief Guest Article

A half-million dollar, three-year-long restoration of the Thomas J. Flippin House in Clatskanie is nearing completion, but the Clatskanie Senior Citizens, Inc. (CSC), which owns the “Castle,” is still waiting on sub-contractors to finish a myriad of details.

The approximately 7,000 square-foot mansion at 620 SW Tichenor Street, is a National Historic Preservation Site, locally known as the Castle. Originally constructed beginning in 1898 by West Oregon logging and lumber owners, Thomas and Florence Flippin, it has been owned by the senior citizens organization since 1979.

Restoration history In 2018 the CSC launched a fundraising drive with the goal of repairing both major and minor construction and maintenance issues of the building, restoring it to as authentic a condition as pos-

sible, and making the building self-sustaining.

Improvements began in the summer of 2018 after the CSC received a $250,000 grant from the C. Keith Birkenfeld Trust of the Seattle Foundation to add to the $50,000 contribution from the Oren and Ellen Tweet family. That summer new sidewalks were constructed, a new furnace was installed along with a conversion to natural gas heat. The next summer a new roof was added and repairs were made to the foundation.

After extensive research and as fundraising continued, the CSC signed a contract with Rickenbach Construction of Astoria to serve as general contractor for the project. After learning that the commercial kitchen in the basement no longer met code, remodeling of the basement was moved to top priority. The kitchen, where home-delivered meals and congregate senior lunches are prepared, was completed last fall along with improvements to the basement dining room and restrooms.

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ciety’s museum. Information about the museum and special event rentals is available by calling 503-338-8268.

What’s next

Photo Courtesy from Deborah Hazen

Final detailing of trim paint was ongoing at the Castle this week by Brothers Wood Finishes of Astoria.

Since last November, a volunteer kitchen staff headed by CSC board members Joy Green and Claudia Hill has been preparing homedelivered meals three times a week in the Castle kitchen.

When the basement dining room will be reopened for congregate lunches is dependent on the COVID-19 situation. For more information about the meal program, call 503-728-3608.

Restoration of the upper two floors of the Castle began

last year and has included refinishing of all of the original Douglas fir floors, wall and ceiling repairs and repainting in historically accurate colors, upgraded electrical and plumbing, and the preparation of two bedroom/ bath suites for overnight rentals. The Castle will also be available for special event rentals, and, in fact, a wedding reception was held on the grounds July 24. The top floor includes five rooms for the Clatskanie Historical So-

Work left to be done on the upper stories includes the completion of painting, installation of plumbing, chandeliers, and carpets.

This week, a painting crew was completing trim work on the exterior of the Castle. Other exterior work this summer has included repair of the front steps, banisters and foundation facade, and installation of a flagstone patio. Still to be done outside are redecking and painting of the front porch.

Castle capital improvement committee members Deborah Hazen, Bob Horness, and Rebecca Fisher met Tuesday with Rickenbach project manager Greg Allen who said delays with the extremely busy sub-contractors are making the setting of a final completion date difficult. Installation of bathroom fixtures and chandeliers for the upper two stories is not

expected to be complete until late-September. After that, the moving in of furnishings, hanging of pictures, etc. will be accomplished by volunteers with a grand re-opening hoped for before the end of the year.

In addition to the Birkenfeld grant and Tweet family donation mentioned above, major funders for the project include Steve and Janice Oliva, Pacific Stainless, the Collins Foundation, GeorgiaPacific Foundation, Samuel S. Johnson Foundation, Portland General Electric, Koch Communities Foundation, Columbia County Cultural Coalition, Clatskanie Historical Society, Eric and Bonnie Evenson, and numerous other individuals, businesses, and organizations.

CSC vice president Bob Horness recently raised over $5,000 for the Castle restoration fund by mountain-biking 71 miles in honor of his 71st birthday.

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

•C rossword P uzzle • • STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: FOOD & DRINK ACROSS 1. *Lettuce variety 5. Drivel 8. *Café alternative 11. *Cantina cooker 12. *Waldorf salad ingredient 13. Animal trail 15. Radio knob 16. Hurry up, acr.

17. One who accepts the offer 18. *Anise-flavored spirit 20. “Happily ____ after” 21. Operatic solos 22. ____ Air in L.A. 23. Hairy vertebrate 26. Freed 30. In the past 31. Small type of drum 34. *Wine in Italy 35. Charleston, e.g.

37. Chow down 38. a.k.a. honey badger 39. Wet nurse 40. Hervé Villechaize on “Fantasy Island” 42. Expression of doubt 43. Founding Father 45. City in Japan

47. Shock and ____

sert

48. Jawaharlal’s last name

19. All worked up

50. *Driest type of sherry

22. *Granola serving

52. *a.k.a. black treacle

23. Téa Leoni’s “____ Secre-

55. Softly-softly, loris’ cousin

tary”

56. A Flock of Seagulls’ 1982

24. Old World lizard

hit (2 words)

25. Unicellular organism

57. *Cabbage amount 59. Alexandre Dumas’ “The Black ____” 60. What seekers do 61. Consequently 62. Everything 63. Temporary craze 64. Swedish shag rugs

26. Stroke on a green 27. Lithograph, for short 28. Japan to U.S. in WWII 29. *Stuffed grapevine leaf 32. *Flageolet or azuki 33. *Popular breakfast cereal 36. *Type of #34 Across 38. Lion sounds

DOWN

40. One little piggy?

1. Physique, informally

41. Easily available (2 words)

2. Pelvic bones

44. One clean one?

3. Spill the beans

46. *Betty Crocker fruit

4. Certain fir

snack

5. *Fusilli or ziti

48. Waterwheel

6. Same as #39 Across, pl.

49. Serengeti grazer

7. Supreme pontiff

50. Unplayable baseball

8. Puff

51. It will, contraction

9. Field worker

52. Irk

10. Be off base

53. Like a ghost

12. Capital of Philippines 13. Be at the helm 14. *Ballerina-inspired des-

54. Long novel 55. School support org.

58. Opposite of don’ts

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

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www.thechiefnews.com

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Friday, December 31, 2021

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T h e C hief

Painting the town: New mural going up

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Clatskanie artist Jeremy Furnish checks with his wife, Amanda, as they prepare to work on the new mural.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

Work is underway in earnest at the site of Clatskanie’s newest city mural that will cover the south facing wall of Clatskanie’s former hospital, located on North Nehalem St. in downtown Clatskanie, visible from Highway 30.

In April, Columbia County artist Jeremy Furnish announced plans for the mural, inspired by the literary works of Raymond Carver — a great American short story writer and poet who was born in Clatskanie in 1938.

Furnish issued a “Call to Artists / Request for Design Proposals,” asking student, emerging, and professional artists living in the Lower Columbia Region for the mural.

Seaside resident Dylan Eckland’s submission was

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selected as first place by a panel of judges. A tattoo artist who runs a private shop in Seaside, Eckland said mural art was a natural outflowing of his creative pursuits.

Eckland’s mural submission features a portrait of Raymond Carver alongside Beaver Falls and a quote from Carver’s poem ‘Where Water Comes Together With Other Water.’

The quote reads, “I’ll take all the time I please this afternoon before leaving my place alongside this river.”

At the site of the new mural on Wednesday morning, Sept. 15, Furnish said painting large images on the sides of buildings can be challenging.

“It takes a village,” he said. “It takes people who know what they are doing, know how to work with each other. It absolutely is a team effort because something this size is a task.”

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As the coordinator of the murals, Furnish said he thinks and directs in layers.

“That’s my job, is the layers and then the volunteers are about a lot of the detail,” he said. “So, we have people painting over my back layers.”

Furnish said he is hopeful the new mural will be completed in a few weeks.

“Before it gets cold and wet,” he said. “We are going to do a big push right now.”

Furnish is also looking to the future and where he might paint another mural in the city.

“We have a few candidates,” he said. “There’s talk of one on the side of the cultural center.”

But Furnish acknowledges that mural may be a different type of project.

“The cultural center’s foundation board will most definitely be specific about what they want,” he said.

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Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Amanda Furnish uses a brush as she adds layers of paint to the mural.

Another mural site Furnish said could be at the former Radio Shack store parking lot.

“Something that can be very visible from the highway and is very colorful that will continue the draw to Nehalem Street,” he said.

Furnish said it’s necessary to paint the town.

“There are a lot of old buildings that need a coat of paint,” he said. “The curb appeal someone sees driving through town is really important. The goal is to bring some outside money into the city and murals also improve the overall community’s livability.”

This is the second city mural that Furnish and a team of artists and other volunteers have put up in downtown Clatskanie.

In 2020, Furnish issued a submission contest for local artists when he painted his first mural in Clatskanie,

“Homeward Bound” on the Clatskanie Hazen Hardware Building, featuring a group of Chinook salmon swimming upstream to spawn.

Joining Furnish at the mural site Wednesday was his wife, Amanda, who said she learns something new each time she works with the murals.

“Each time we paint I learn from other people about details, about working such a large scale, about light, shadow and human interaction, and how the painting effects people coming by,” Amanda said.

The Furnishs thanked Integrity Electric for loaning the couple a pickup truck equipped with a lift, giving the artists opportunities to paint the higher exterior of the murals.

The costs of the murals can be from three thousand to five thousand dollars, depending on the size and con-

tent, according to Furnish.

“It’s about $300 a day or so for the materials and that comes out of grant money or private fundraising,” he said. “By having the support of local businesses, like Integrity and the people of the community, that is where the value is.”

Furnish and his wife said the “fun part” of painting the city murals is to be able to work with other creative people in the community.

The “hard part” is organizing the effort, “and painting around the wires attached to the buildings,” both Jeremy and Amanda said.

The Furnishs also expressed their gratitude to the Clatskanie Arts Commission for its support of the city murals.

Read more about the Clatskanie murals in a series of articles at thechiefnews. com.

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Fire consumes local business ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Investigators were still working Thursday, Oct. 7, to determine the cause of a fire that tore through a downtown Clatskanie business.

Firefighters of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District (CRFPD) sped to the scene at about 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 5, to Jo’s Country Market, at 300 Columbia River Highway, to find the fruit stand covered in flames.

Kelly Miller, Executive Director at Turning Point, was preparing to pull into

her work’s parking lot, a building adjacent to Jo’s, when she witnessed the fire “immediately.”

Miller arrived just as firetrucks were on scene, and Clatskanie PUD was shutting off the burning building’s power.

“I turned at the stop light to come into work and saw the blaze immediately,” Miller said. “I pulled into Turning Point and started taking photos.”

Jo’s has quite the history in Clatskanie, according to Greg Hinkelman, City Manager of Clatskanie, who also witnessed the fire.

“I am sorry to see a long-

standing business burn,” Hinkelman said.

Jo’s Country Market has in past years distributed its goods at the Sunday Astoria and Cowlitz Community Farmers markets, according to its Facebook page.

In an April 21, 2013 post on Facebook, Jo’s Country Market posted about its grand opening in Clatskanie, referring to the weeklong wait to open its doors as the “final countdown.”

The Chief has reached out to Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District officials for specific details about the fire. We had not received a response by press time.

Courtesy photo from Kelly Miller

Flames consumed much of the structure and could be seen from blocks away.

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www.thechiefnews.com

Friday, December 31, 2021

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The reimagination of Humps ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

The Chief has learned that the sale of the former Humps Restaurant is in the works and the building could be transformed into a mixeduse location.

The structure, located in the middle of the city, is nestled on the banks of the Clatskanie River. The building offers a 12,000-squarefoot interior in a two-story building which includes a basement.

ARK Real Estate, Inc. Principal Broker Jenny Erhardt said the sale of the Humps property is pending, and the new owners are expected to work on the new building by the end of the year.

The potential buyers of the property had not been identified at press time, but they are already envisioning what to do with the property located at 50 Columbia River Highway, according to Erhardt.

“There will be retail and wholesale operations taking place in the building and potentially even recreational activities,” Erhardt said.

2021

Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief

Humps has been a focal point of Clatskanie dating all the way back to the 60s.

The former restaurant has been sitting idle since Dec. 2018, attracting speculation from passersby as to what the future of the property holds.

On July 17, The Chief conducted a poll asking readers how they would like to see the former Humps

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Restaurant transformed. The majority of readers favored the idea of the property becoming a craft brewery.

In an article published

by The Chief in the summer of 2019, Clatskanie Chamber of Commerce President Monica Seidl said Humps had been the center

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of discussion as an economic trigger for the city.

“There has been hope that it may become a brew pub at some point,” she said. “That a large company would come in and reopen it so that it could become an iconic location on the way to the coast.”

“Humps should be a great thing if we can find an owner,” Clatskanie Mayor Bob Brajcich said in the 2019 article. “If you’ve got a cold beer and a good sandwich, that’s about all it takes.”

Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman told The Chief in 2020 that he would

like to see the building continue to be used as a restaurant, with the Humps name attached.

“It was a historical landmark in Clatskanie and a destination,” Hinkelman said. “I would like to see that happen again for the city. It doesn’t have to be a traditional restaurant, a brew pub or something like that. I would like to see the building occupied and used as a restaurant, because that’s what it’s been for 50-60 years.”

The beloved fixture of Clatskanie closed on Aug. 27, 2017, in response to a combination of diminishing business and costly overhead, according General Manager Jeremiah Cameron.

Cameron is the son of owners Rob and Brenda Cameron, who reopened Humps in 2014 after previous owners shut it down in 2011.

In 2020, Humps was listed for sale at $850,000.

The specific 2021 sale details are pending.

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

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Threats at 2 schools in Columbia County Separate investigations launched ZOE GOTTLIEB chronicle2@countrymedia.net

Parents have been notified and investigations launched following two separate school threats in Columbia County this week.

The first incident occurred at the Rainier School District.

Superintendent Joseph Hattrick said officials learned that on Dec. 6, two students at Hudson Park Elementary made threats to harm other students.

In the second incident, police were called to St. Helens Middle School after school administrators said a student told a classmate not to show up for school the next day, claiming that he was going “to shoot it up.”

School officials were quickly notified, and local law enforcement responded without further incident.

Rainier incident Hattrick wrote in a Dec. 7 letter to parents that the Hudson Park Elementary incident was immediately investigated by the district and law enforcement.

“We cannot disclose details of the incident but can inform you that it is being handled swiftly and appropriately,” Hattrick’s letter reads.

“While we know that parents would like more specific information about the incident, we cannot share details in or-

der to preserve confidentiality and also so as not to interfere with the investigation.”

Students impacted in the threats were informed the day of the incident, and the school district alerted the school community the following day, according to Hattrick.

No one was hurt in the incident.

“The safety of students is our highest priority,” Hattrick wrote.

At the end of his letter, Hattrick issued a reminder to parents to be conscientious about the premature spread of information during an open investigation.

“I know that social media is often a place to share information, but I would respectfully ask that when issues involving students occur, please contact the building principal or myself via email,” according to the letter. “We cannot engage in these types of inquiries on social media out of respect for all and out of respect for due process.”

“Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have specific questions. Thank you for your advocacy, concern, and support during these challenging times.”

Read the superintendent’s full letter at thechiefnews. com.

While full details of the incident have yet to be released, Hattrick said he

with lesson plans to teach students about student safety, bullying, and other behaviors.

“Our campaign will center around kindness, compassion, and care for others,” Hattrick told The Chief.

Federal advisory

School threat notification wants to assure parents and community members the district takes measures to protect students and any incident that has the potential to impact student safety very seriously.

“When there are alleged threats, we must first notify any student who has been threatened,” he said. “Once the situation is better under control, we also communicate with the school community.”

Hattrick said the district currently offers a notification system for parents to inform them of incidents and events on campus.

“Families can opt into our automated alert system where families get text, email, and phone calls alerting them to announcements,” Hattrick said. “If anyone wants to enroll please contact your child’s school.”

According to Hattrick, Rainier School District has three clinical staff on campus and is supported by Columbia Health Services. Currently, staff are working on supplementing the resources

Just one day prior to the Hudson Park incident, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health advisory on the growing mental health crisis among youth and children.

According to Murthy, the number of children and youth exhibiting depressive and anxiety symptoms nationwide doubled over the course of the pandemic.

In a Sept. 29 Chief Guest Column, Grace Bullock, PhD., the Senior Mental Health Officer at the Oregon Department of Education (ODE), said the department launched the Care and Connection Campaign to encourage schools throughout the state to foster welcoming, inclusive, communities for students and nurture social bonds.

“School districts across the state can promote student mental health by dedicating time each day to activities that build care, connection and community, and allowing staff and students the opportunity to make meaning of their experiences,” she said. “These types of activities and trust

building exercises are particularly important and meaningful now, as many students spent much of last year apart from their peers and trusted adults outside their home.”

The Rainier Health Center is located on the Rainier High School campus, 28168 Old Rainier Road in Rainier and offers youth mental health services from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Call 503-556-2178 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Clatskanie School District recently adopted a School Based Health Center (SBHC) to increase the scope of men-

•

tal health services for students to cope with difficulties set off by the pandemic.

The center is located at 471 SW Bel Air Drive on the Clatskanie Middle/High School campus. The mental health services are available to students from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

The center can be reached at 503-728-5181.

Call your local school for more information about student mental health resources. To reach Northwest Connections, a 24-hour mental health crisis hotline in Columbia County, call 1-888552-6642.

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Friday, December 31, 2021

www.thechiefnews.com

DON’TDRINK AND DRIVE OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANPORTATION Chronicle Guest Article

In the United States, drunk driving is the number one cause of death on our roadways.

Every two minutes, someone is injured by a drunk driver and every 51 minutes someone is killed by a drunk driver.

In 2019, Oregon experienced 2,336 substanceinvolved crashes in which 318 people died and 334 people sustained life-alerting injuries.

From 2018- 2019, substance-involved fatalities increased 1%, of note is for the first time since 2014, drugonly fatalities saw a decrease of 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 2017-2018. 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: • Has 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood of the person as shown by chemical analysis of the breath or blood of the person; OR. • Is under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, a controlled substance or an

Impaired driving in Oregon

inhalant; OR. • Is under the influence of any combination of intoxicating liquor, an inhalant, cannabis, and a controlled substance.

If you are using prescribed medication that impacts your ability to drive you can be arrested for DUII. 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 combined with alcohol. The vehicle crash risk associated with marijuana in combination with alcohol, cocaine, or benzodiazepines appears to be greater than that for each drug by itself.

Several studies have shown that drivers with THC in their blood were roughly twice as likely to be responsible for a deadly crash or be killed than drivers who hadn’t used drugs or alcohol. However, a large NHTSA study found no significant increased crash risk

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traceable to marijuana after controlling for drivers’ age, gender, race, and presence of alcohol. More 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 you are facing. Violations such as Careless Driving, Violation of the Basic Rule, Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Failure to Drive Within Lane, and other violations are punishable by a fine only and very rarely a

license suspension.

If someone is injured or killed by an impaired driver that driver may also face manslaughter and assault charges.

The below are examples of penalties for DUII; however, keep in mind that penalties depend on a variety of circumstances, such as prior offenses and driving record.

First DUII Offense – 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 1 year upon driver’s license re-instatement • 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 Offense Conviction 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 re-instatement • 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 Third DUII Offense Conviction Misdemeanor • Fines: minimum of $2,000 fine • Jail Time: Two days to one year in jail • Drivers License Suspension: drivers license permanently revoked (may file a petition in the county circuit court to have driving privileges restored after a period of 10 years) • Ignition Interlock Device: ignition interlock restriction for two years upon drivers license re-instatement • 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 before you party is the best way to avoid putting yourself in a situation where your judgement is already impaired.

Other ways to prevent drinking and driving are: • Always choose a nondrinking designated driver — every time you go out. Uber, Lyft and taxis are all good choices.

• If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water. Or if you are going out alone consider taking alternative transportation to and from your destination.

• 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.