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The Chief
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020
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VOL. 128, NO. 51
Serving the Lower Columbia Region since 1891
Oregon’s reopening will be ‘New Normal’ CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Oregonians will be living with a “new normal” once the state reopens, according to Jennifer Purcell, North Coast Regional Solutions Coordinator. While business owners are eager to reopen, it needs to be done taking public health needs into account, Purcell told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners during an electronic meeting Wednesday, April 29. Purcell described the new normal as “living with the virus,” which means that while coronavirus will not be completely eradicated, different measures must be taken to reduce its impact. Natural tension “There’s this natural tension between the public health needs and the needs of our economy, the process of opening our economy is really through the lens of a public health framework,” Purcell said. “We’ve all heard Dr. Fauci (a lead member of President Trump’s Coronavirus Task Force) talk about the fact that we don’t make the timeline, the virus makes the timeline, and you’ll see that sentiment throughout.” The goal so far has been to “flatten the curve,” but the new goal as Oregon reopens will be to keep the curve flat, Purcell said. This means minimizing any resurgences of COVID-19 as much as possible. Gov. Kate Brown’s Reopening Oregon plan will be based on the reopening America guidelines released by President Trump a few weeks ago, Purcell said. The framework is built around three main items: Gating criteria, Core State Preparedness and phased reopening. According to Purcell, “gating criteria” is described as meeting specific targets: declining numbers of people showing symptoms, declining numbers of cases, and keeping an eye on hospital capacity. “Core state preparedness” is described as testing and contact tracing, meaning to keep track of cases as they arise and people who may have been in contact with cases. These are done at the state level to gauge the state’s ability to open. Once those steps are accomplished, phased reopening begins, which means to move slowly to reopen the state. The state is ready to reopen once there has been a 14-day period of a downward trajectory of flu-like and COVID symptoms, as well as a downward trajectory in the number of positive cases, Purcell said. “And what’s being evaluated right now is what those metrics might look like,” she said. For example, Purcell noted if a community had few or no positive cases, the metrics are still being worked out as to what would be considered successful. Amping up testing What will be needed to accomplish these goals, Purcell said, is to amp up testing ability for both symptomatic and asymptomatic cases, as well has have some sort of surveillance screening available. “Our testing capacity at a state-
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wide level is not sufficient,” Purcell said. “And our testing capacity in our communities and regions is not sufficient.” Purcell listed a new screening site in Hillsboro, and that the governor’s office is getting more information about the availability of testing on a daily basis. Once the gating criteria and core preparedness have been met, that is when the state will move into phase one of reopening. Phase one will include guidelines for both individuals and employers broadly, Purcell said.
Uncertain Future
Guidelines Guidelines might include steps like instructing everyone to maintain good hygiene, like hand washing and to stay home if they are sick. They might also include increased use of face coverings and physical distancing requirements for employers and increased sanitation of surfaces. Employers will also need to have a plan in place for monitoring their work force for indicative symptoms and contact tracing policies, Purcell said. Some locations would remain closed in phase one, like schools and organized youth activities, with the exception of re-opening childcare with strict guidelines around sanitation protocols and PPE, Purcell said. “After we presumably enter phase one and make it through phase one for a 14 day period, if we are able to demonstrate that we continue to meet the gating criteria, then we would move into phase two and subsequent phases of reopening,” Purcell said. “These are much less fleshed out right now.” Purcell said the governor’s office imagines the next phases would be to increase gathering sizes and to incrementally roll back restrictions. Commissioners’ questions Columbia County Commissioner Henry Heimuller asked Purcell about the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo specifically. “Our county fair starts in June,” he said. “Have there been any discussion in the conversations with the governor’s office about county fairs specifically?” Purcell said she has been asked that question a lot. “We don’t want to run too fast and we don’t want to make promises we can’t keep,” Purcell said. “As we discussed in the very beginning, the virus is really what drives the timeline. So it’s really hard to say. We have to see a declining number of cases before we can even move into phase one.” Columbia County Commissioner Margaret Magruder asked Purcell if contact tracing is a function that could be done at the state level rather than at the county level. “The county [would have to] find housing and office space for contact tracers,” Magruder said. Purcell said the governor’s office is still waiting for additional information about the specifics of what would be required for contact tracing. “The state does have a strike team capacity,” Purcell said. “So if there was a resurgence of cases in Columbia County for instance, or a cluster of cases, they do have capacity to come in and support the county’s work.” Columbia County COVID-19 During the Wednesday county commissioners meeting Public Health Administrator Michael Paul gave an update concerning COVID-19 in the county. Paul reported the latest figures, saying there are three million cases in the world, with at least 200,000 deaths worldwide. The Oregon
See REOPENING Page A10
Chief photo
This is one of the popular rides that attracts visitors to the annual Columbia County Fair.
County Fair decision pending CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
The Columbia County Fair & Rodeo will be celebrating a 105year tradition this summer. The event brings in thousands of people per day to the festivities in Columbia County. It has been a family tradition for many over the years, with children involved in 4-H events, mothers and grandmothers making and displaying jams and pies, and husbands and children enjoying games, carnival rides and a variety of displays.
But now, according to Columbia County Fair Board President Ingrid Chamberlain, a decision by the fair board about whether or not the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo will be held this July is pending due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re brainstorming what we can do,” Chamberlain said. “The process has lots of moving parts and pieces.” The fair is still scheduled for July 15-19, and each year, offers numerous carnival rides, games and food booths, a rodeo, livestock showing and live entertainers. So far, the fair board has had to
cancel all of the fair’s scheduled live entertainment, Chamberlain said. “We lost so much money in other areas during our shutdown, so we’re going to be doing something different there,” Chamberlain said. The fair is able to generate revenue from renting out the fairgrounds, in particular the pavilion to different groups. When Gov. Brown issued the Stay at Home order in March, Columbia
See FAIR Page A7
Dragons, tacos and firefighters JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Two Columbia County fire districts are offering bedtime story video reading presentations to area children and their families. Columbia River Fire & Rescue spokesperson Jennifer Motherway said the effort is designed in part to ease the COVID-19 pandemic isolation and social distancing facing local children. Motherway adds insight about the project in the following conversation. The Chief: What is the bedtime reading project all about, why did CRFR launch this project and when? Jennifer Motherway: CRFR and Scappoose Fire are doing this project. A local teacher had asked if I would be willing to do a story for her class early on when the Stay Home Save Lives order was established, so I asked our crews if they would be willing and thought it would be fun to create multiple story time options that we would try to release every week to every other week. So far, we have two from each district and we plan to do a few more in the coming weeks. When
Photo / Courtesy of Columbia River Fire & Rescue
Columbia River Fire & Rescue firefighter Robert Conrath reads Dragons Love Tacos during one of the video bedtime story presentations.
we aren’t on calls within the community, we do our best to engage and offer anything extra. Generally, we offer station tours and participate in public education events. Since we cannot do those right now what better than to showcase extras on social media. The Chief: Who reads the books and how are the stories selected? Motherway: So far, Patrick Kish and Robert Conrath from
CRFR and Keith Mathews and Ken Chaffeur from Scappoose Fire have read books. I brought a stack from my home for them to select from, but Robert specifically requested Dragons Love Tacos as it’s his children’s favorite. The Chief: Give us a range of the stories that have been read.
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Horses had assembled nearby as the smoke and fire spread through a camper trailer and adjacent barn. Three horses in the barn perished in the fire. Photo courtesy of Columbia River Fire & Rescue
Horses perish in blaze STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Three horses have perished in a barn fire at Rainier that displaced one person. According to Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR), at approximately 11:45 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 911 dispatch received several calls from neighbors about a barn on fire at the end of Dike Road in Rainier. CRFR investigators said no one was at the property at the time of the calls. As fire crews rushed to the scene they found heavy smoke coming from the property. The fire consumed a camper trailer on the property which had been occupied by one person. The adjacent
home on the property is completely uninhabitable, according to the CRFR release. The family who leases the property arrived on scene to assist with the animals housed at the barn. One person suffered a few bumps and bruises in the attempt to rescue the animals, but the injuries did not require that person to be hospitalized, according to CRFR. Ten horses had been housed in the barn and on the property. Three of the horses were found deceased inside the barn. One of the horses was nearly 33-years-old. Rabbits, chickens and roosters also kept at the property appeared unharmed by the fire. Crews remained on scene for several hours managing
hot spots. The fire investigation team reported two campers, two vehicles, two motorcycles, a 30-foot aluminum boat and countless personal possessions destroyed by the fire. The cause and the estimated amount of damage was not available from investigators at press time. CRFR responded to the fire with two chief officers, 14 firefighters, four engines, five water tenders, one utility, one medic, one public information officer as well as followed up by the CRFR fire investigation team. Clatskanie Fire District, Mist-Birkenfeld Fire District and the Columbia River PUD assisted on scene. Red Cross was contacted to assist the property occupant.
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1 arrest after arson fire JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
A house fire and explosion on Price Road near Rainier has led to a criminal investigation and the arrest of a local man. The fire, determined to be intentionally caused, occurred at approximately 1 p.m. April 28, at 75833 Price Road. Investigators said an explosion during the fire sent glass flying injuring at least three nearby neighbors. Investigators have determined the fire to be arson following a confession by Adam Joseph Sewald. In court documents filed by Columbia County District Attorney Jeff Auxier, Sewald admitted setting the fire because, “voices told him to do it.” Read the Affidavit for Probable Cause with this story at thechiefnews.com. Clatskanie Fire Protection District Chief Steve Sharek said as fire crews were dispatched to the Price Road fire scene, they were advised by 911 dispatch of a second structure fire which was on Shepard Road. Additional fire crews
Adam Joseph Sewald.
from Rainier were also being sent to both fire locations. “It is uncommon to get two fires so close like that,” Sharek said. “It stretched us pretty thin.” As firefighters arrived at the Price Road incident they spotted flames and smoke engulfing a mobile home. Sharek said the fire destroyed the home and the cause was determined to be suspicious. “Our investigation showed suspicious circumstances and we notified law enforcement,” Sharek said. Columbia County
Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies and Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers conducted the criminal investigation into the fire and submitted their report to Auxier. In the court record, Sewald told the deputy that he lit a couch in the home on fire using a torch-style lighter. Sewald was arrested and taken to the Columbia County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including first degree arson, menacing, violation of a restraining order, contempt of court, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, third degree robbery and criminal driving. At the Shepard Road fire, Sharek said the building was a garage converted into a sewing room and storage shed with an automobile inside. Sharek said the blaze did up to $25,000 damage. There were no injuries reported at the Shepard Road fire. The cause was undetermined at press time. Spark said the Shepard Road blaze did not appear to be suspicious and that the two fires were not linked.
Scheduled elective medical procedures to resume STAFF REPORT chiefnews@countrymedia.net
Legacy Health officials have announced that scheduled elective medical procedures will resume in its Oregon facilities, including the St. Helens clinic, Friday, May 1. The restarting is in accordance with the safety requirements for hospitals outlined by Gov. Kate Brown in her announcement earlier this week, lifting the ban on elective procedures, according to Legacy Health Chief Medical Officer Lewis Low. “As we begin providing elective procedures next
week, it is with the utmost focus on safety for our patients and staff,” Low said. “We are grateful to the community for the part they are playing in reducing the spread of COVID-19 by following social distancing guidelines so we can get back to the work of providing the care our patients need.” As scheduling of elective procedures begins, priority will be given to the most urgent cases. Patients will be contacted by their provider about scheduling their procedures. Legacy operates a clinic at 475 S. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens.
Focus on safety first At Legacy Health, the safety of patients and employees is the No. 1 priority, according to a release from the health services provider. Legacy has been working with state and local health authorities on how to safely begin offering elective procedures again when public health conditions supported it. Strict safety protocols have been put in place and will be maintained at Legacy facilities to provide maximal protection to patients and employees. These include adhering to social distancing as much as possible and appropriate use of personal protective equipment by staff.
ALEX TARDIF
In addition, all patients undergoing elective surgery at Legacy hospitals must test negative for COVID-19 before they are admitted for their procedure. Legacy leaders said they will monitor conditions to ensure that facilities continue to meet the safety conditions specified by Gov. Brown in terms of maintaining enough hospital capacity to care for potential new COVID-19 cases and maintaining a sufficient supply of personal protection equipment and testing materials. In Washington, Legacy plans to begin offering elective procedures on May 18, as the Washington ban is scheduled to lift.
Jeremy C. Ruark / The Chief
Legacy operates a 20,500 square-foot facility at 475 S. Columbia River Highway in St. Helens.
COVID-19 Columbia County Heroes: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
County Commissioner
Tardif! I believe in healthy communities, affordable housing, family wage jobs and financial sustainability for Columbia County.
I AM RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION BECAUSE I BELIEVE IN OUR COMMUNITY Since being elected in 2016, I have enjoyed working vigorously and have continuously advocated for transparency and accountability within government.
Re-elect Alex Tardif Your County Commissioner Alex4countycommissioner@gmail.com
United Way of Columbia County is excited to feature agencies, individuals and programs who are taking a lead in meeting the basic needs of our neighbors during COVID-19. Today, United Way of Columbia County is highlighting a program available throughout Columbia County to ensure our youngest children, ages 0-5, are building their early literacy skills—Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free books to children from birth to age five in Columbia County. Currently, the program mails over 1,200 specially selected, age-appropriate books monthly to registered children. The goal of the program is to create a lifelong love of reading, prepare children for school, and inspire them to dream. Recent studies, at the national level, suggest participation in the Imagination Library program is positively and significantly associated with higher measures of early language and math development. This program became available to Columbia County families in June 2018. This launch was made possible by partnership from Columbia County WIC, Friends of St Helens, Scappoose, Vernonia, and Columbia City Libraries, St Helens Rotary, St Helens Lions, Day Breakers Kiwanis, St Helens Kiwanis—Noon Club, Clatskanie Kiwanis, and more! Staring with only a handful of participants, Columbia Counties Imagination Library has grown to serve 1,764 children, over the past 20 months. Julie Metz, Columbia County Mom says, “We love the program and my daughter loves getting a new book to read every month.” Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is not expecting any delays in delivery during COVID-19 and is eager to enroll more Columbia County children to build their home libraries. To sign-up your child, visit imaginationlibray.com or call United Way of Columbia County at (503) 556-3614. This program costs about $25.00 per child to administer. To make a tax-deductible contribution to this program, large or small, text DOLLYP to 41444. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in Columbia County. Thank you to our Sponsor:
RESPONSIBLE • TRANSPARENT• ACCOUNTABLE Paid for by Committee to Elect Alex Tardif
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A shift for all COLUMBIA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Chief Guest Column
Well, here we are, almost two months into the COVID-19 global pandemic. It has certainly been a shift for all of us, hasn’t it? We’d like to begin by applauding the resiliency of the people of Columbia County as we continue to weather this virus together. To all of you who have come together to help those in need - the first-responders, the nurses, the online teachers, the maskmakers at home, those who check on their neighbors - we see you and we are grateful for you. Our number of positive COVID-19 cases has remained low in Columbia County, despite being bordered by two counties with the highest incident rates, and we know that’s because our citizens are truly taking this all to heart. Here in Columbia County government, our board and staff have been working around the clock to be as responsive and proactive as possible in order to meet the needs of our community during this unprecedented time. We are challenging each other to think differently and we’re networking in new ways, even if it’s just a phone call that plants a seed to think on for the future. Have there been struggles? Certainly. You’ve seen them hinted at in headlines from the national level to the local one. There was no playbook for COVID-19, and we’ve had to come together to create one that works best for us here in Columbia County. There have also been so many successes, built upon the dedicated work and remarkable flexibility of our staff. Immediately, upon the announcement of COVID-19 complications, the county implemented enhanced cleaning practices while the public was still allowed in the courthouse. Public touch points were cleaned every two hours and continue to be cleaned at least twice a day during social-distancing. Of course, those areas with high traffic receive more attention. We installed hand sanitizing stations all over the courthouse, and when Governor Kate Brown issued the “Stay Home, Save Lives” order, we quickly implemented strate-
gies and secured equipment so that over half of our staff could work remotely. Our IT Department also clocked over 300 hours to ensure our county services remain available. The buildings may be closed to the public, but we are still open for business. Our Public Health Department, normally housed in the courthouse, has been working out of our Emergency Management Department, and they have done a fantastic job tracking this virus. Our Road Department is still going strong, and the majority of the work the public needs access to, whether online, by courier, or some other method, is still getting done.
“There was no playbook for COVID-19, and we’ve had to come together to create one that works best for us here in Columbia County.” As we adjusted, we made the decision to keep our recreation trails in our county parks open so that our citizens can still recreate outdoors in the fresh air. Two of those parks have remained open for the homeless and long-term RVers who had nowhere else to park, and we secured a shower/restroom trailer for those who need access to one at the Community Action Team building. Donations have been vital as we work to ensure the needs of our community are met. That’s why we earmarked $25,000 to Community Action Team, which has thus far provided almost 4,000 meals to seniors. And thanks to a generous donation from Cascades Tissue, many of our citizens now have toilet paper who did not have access to it before. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has fulfilled a huge number of procession requests for children’s birthday parties and other special occasions. They’ve shifted to processing such things as Concealed Handgun Licenses by mail and introduced their newest Recruit Deputy on April 17. We are working in coordination with Emergency Management and other economic development partners like the Port of Columbia County, Columbia County Economic Team, and our various Chambers of Commerce to build a business grant and/or loan
program to find the best path forward to help support our local businesses. And, about that ... please remember that supporting our local businesses is vital during this time. Over the years, it is our business community that has supported the many programs and projects the county has implemented to improve our way of life. Shop local and keep that in mind as this wears on and our small businesses work to recover. There may have been some confusion about the prospects of the Columbia County Fair this year. It has not been suspended. Planning and work to gather new vendors was temporarily suspended for social distancing, but the Fair Board is in weekly contact with their fair district, and is working closely with the Oregon Fairs Association to monitor the decisions that will need to be made going forward. As you may know, the majority of the Columbia County Fairgrounds’ funding comes from the annual fair, our local vendors rely on it, and we know many of our 4-H students rely on those auctions to plan for college. Whatever decision is made about the run of the fair this year will be made with the best thoughts and intentions and will not be decided in a vacuum. Our directors at Public Health and Emergency Management who are overseeing the COVID-19 incident are currently working with the State to develop a framework for reopening Columbia County for business as soon as it is safe to do so. We’re all ready for this to be over, but we must practice caution and open in such a way that it keeps those most vulnerable as safe as possible. Until then, stay the course to stay home and save lives. Reach out to each other where you can and lift each other up, just as you have been. You’re all doing wonderfully. We are in this together, and we have no doubt that Columbia County will emerge from this virus even stronger than we were before. Margaret Magruder, Henry Heimuller and Alex Tardif are the three Columbia County Board of Commissioners. They may be reached at 503-397-4322.
Election Letters Policy Election-related letters are subject to all our standards for letters to the editor. They cannot exceed 400 words, and the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number must be included. The Chief may edit for length and clarity and may call the letter writer to verify they wrote it. No letters about election-related issues or candidates will be published after Wednesday, May 13, in order to allow sufficient time for letters to be considered and verified, and for any rebuttal. The Chief does not guarantee that every letter to the editor - political or otherwise will be published. The publisher has the final determination on all letters.
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Reopening Oregon BRAD WITT Chief Guest Column
virus and infection rates.
Reopening Oregon’s economy in a deliberate, safe manner is on everyone’s mind, and I was pleased to be joined by Elana PirtleGuiney, Legislative Director, Office of Governor Kate Brown for a virtual town hall this week to discuss that important topic. The Stay Home, Save Lives order has been working, and Oregon has one of the lower rates of infection, and now people are becoming more eager than ever to drop restrictions and get back into the community. As a first step, the state is going to be allowing non-emergency medical procedures to resume in May. There is still no vaccine or treatment for the novel coronavirus so even when we are able to reopen, it will not be business as usual. We will have fewer closures, but public safety requirements, such as social distancing, will remain in place. Unlike some states, Oregon will consider a regional approach to restarting the economy in rural areas where there are few or no COVID-19 cases.
Oregon will be using a phased approach, and Phase One will not be business as usual. We will have businesses opening their doors, but social distancing requirements will still be in place, and employees will still need to telework as much as possible. Whether bars and restaurants can reopen will depend on their environment. If it is an eatery that serves adult beverages, and can appropriately space customers, it may be reopened. Large venues for sporting events will not be allowed in Phase One, but there is consideration for churches and theaters. Vulnerable populations will need to continue to stay at home to avoid exposure.
Phased approach
Clear focus State health officials are very clear about the components which need to be in place before a phased reopening can occur. They include declining numbers of people with COVID-19 symptoms and active cases. The virus remains in our communities, so when restrictions are lifted, infection rates may surge, and community hospitals must have the capacity to handle an influx of coronavirus patients. The state must continue our efforts to increase testing capacity, and if someone does contract the virus, contact tracing needs to in place to identify individuals who may have been exposed, and then isolate or quarantine them for an appropriate amount of time. While Governor Brown is conferring with health and industry experts about reopening the state’s economy, there is no set date for the beginning of easing restrictions. The timeline depends on the
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Town Hall Participants at this week’s town hall were able to ask many questions, and we had a lively discussion of various topics. Testing was of concern, and why Oregon seems to have low rates of testing. It was explained that private labs have been slow to come on line, but some of the larger drug store chains are planning to implement a drive-thru testing procedure in the coming weeks. We were asked about the implementation of antibody testing to determine if someone has been exposed, and is either asymptomatic, or recovered from the virus. While this will be helpful for future research, currently hospitals and medical personnel are concentrating on treating life-threatening cases, and there is no medical evidence that recovery from the virus offers any level of immunity from reinfection. There have also been questions about Governor Brown’s authority to issue executive orders to address the pandemic, and the duration of these orders. The Governor declared a state of emergency as a public health emergency, giving her the authority as approved by the Oregon Legislature to take any action that might be necessary to protect the public during this health emergency.
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There are two ways to terminate the public health emergency, the Governor can issue a proclamation stating that the emergency no longer exists, or the Legislative Assembly can pass a joint resolution terminating the declaration of emergency. I was so pleased to have Ms. Pirtle-Guiney join us for the town hall, and I would like to be able to assist the Governor by supplying important data needed for the decision making process for reopening our economy. Be engaged I would like to hear from House District 31 elected officials, industry groups, and businesses about their capabilities to respond to public safety issues so we can reopen our economy safely and responsibly. This information on risk assessment will be channeled to the Governor’s office in an effort to evaluate the readiness of counties to begin reopening their local businesses. My Town Hall was such an informative meeting I’m hoping more people will be able to view it. We recorded the Zoom Town Hall virtual meeting, and it’s posted on my Facebook page. Also the good folks at KOHI Radio 1600 am will be replaying the town hall at 9 a.m. Sunday May 2. The show can be streamed by using this link: https://onlineradiobox. com/us/kohi/ As is the case with many public spaces, the Capitol Building remains closed to the public, but we monitor our email and phone daily, and we are working to assist constituents. If you need help or have an issue or concern regarding a state agency, contact my office and we’ll see what can be done. Please take care of yourself and each other. Be Safe. Rep. Brad Witt serves House District 31. He may be reached at: • Email: Rep.BradWitt@ oregonlegislature.gov • Telephone: 503-9861431 • Capitol Building: 900 Court St NE, H-382, Salem, OR, 97301 • Website: http://www. oregonlegislature.gov/witt
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• Candidate Forums The Clatskanie Chamber would like to invite you to a Virtual Candidate Forum! We partnered with the Rainier Chamber of Commerce to host a Virtual Candidate Forum, since we are not able to hold the in person event that was originally planned. Check out the Rainier Chamber YouTube channel to watch the videos of the participating candidates for the upcoming May 2020 Election for Columbia County Commissioner & November State Representative District #31 race. Link to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCuUeCdP_BzkrgpSqumYOUrg… Our chambers wanted to provide our members and community a platform to hear from each participating candidate. We asked the candidates two questions, and to tell us why we should vote for them. #1- “In 1999, both Washington and Oregon stepped away from replacing the Lewis & Clark Bridge After completing limited seismic upgrades, the bridge still operates at over designed capacity. With the traffic congestion in Portland, more and more traffic is now traveling across the bridge and along the Highway 30 corridor. What steps would you take to ameliorate the traffic impacts to the county that have increased over the past 6 years? #2- When you are up for re-election in four years what will your constituents and colleagues say were your three top successes? Columbia County Commissioner, Position #1 • Margaret Magruder • Wayne Mayo • Tricia Stockwell • Brandee Dudzic
•V oices
is done mainly by the Sexton with some occasional parttime staff. The funds may also fund replacement equipment, provide some office help, provide for extra seasonal mowing,and purchase necessary supplies. Simply, it’s a matter of community pride. Who wants to see overgrown grounds covered with weeds and gravesites left untrimmed? For this family we will gladly give up two soft drink cartons during the year, as opposed to seeing an undesirable and unpleasant landscape. Most of us have family, relatives, friends, and acquaintances buried in these cemetery locations. No doubt others of us will follow. Let’s show that we care. Please vote by Tuesday, May 19. Paul and Judy Nys Rainier
Support Grant This is a letter supporting the reelection of Jenefer Grant as Circuit Court Judge, Position 3. I have known Judge Grant for many years. She and my husband worked together when she was Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of our local Rotary Club. He always spoke highly of her insight and dedication to community involvement. She is intelligent, honest, a good listener, fair, professional, knowledgeable of the judicial system, and sensitive to both sides of an issue. I have heard nothing but positive things about her from the people I know. She has boundless energy, raising a lovely daughter with her husband, along with her very busy work schedule. She is personable and fun. I strongly urge you to vote for Jenefer Grant in the upcoming election. Ann Morten St. Helens
Attorneys
We are practicing attorneys in Columbia County with well over 100 combined years of practice in front of Columbia • Alex Tardiff County judges. We believe • Casey Garrett Michael T. Clarke is the right • Jeanne Correll choice for change on our Columbia County Bench. He State Representative is professional. He follows the law. He works hard. District #31 These are the traits that make good judges. Mr. • Brian Stout ETERSEN LARKE LLC and LLC ClarkeLARKE is also fair, honest, • Brad Witt ETERSEN thoughtful. Please join us in s AA tt tt oo rrbringing nn ee yy sMichael T. Clarke to Please be sure to check the Bench by voting Clarke out these informative videos. 556-4120 (503) 556-4120 (503) for Columbia County Circuit You may also find a link to the Rainier Chamber YouTube Court Judge, Position 3. Columbia County’s Premier Premier Columbia Channel on their Facebook County’s Agnes M. Petersen page event. Personal Personal Injury Injury Attorneys Attorneys St. Helens Thank you, LLi icceennsesedd inin OOrreego gonn && W Waash shin ingto gtonn David B. Herr Scappoose Sarah Johnson Mary Anne Anderson Clatskanie St. Helens Stephen D. Petersen Rainier Columbia County Commissioner, Position #3
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had access to a wide range of opinions, which he realized would sharpen his own thinking. It also gave him a way of keeping all those conflicting opinions together. Lincoln forged a team that, “preserved a nation and freed America from the curse of slavery”. In other words, President Lincoln had no desire to get his friends and the relatives of friends into office. I would like to connect some dots for you. The Oregon primary election happens on Tuesday, May 19, and ballots should be delivered to voters by the time you read this letter. I’m sure you remember the public outcry when Bakken crude oil trains were stopping traffic throughout Columbia County for 30 to 40 minutes at a time - keeping citizens from getting to or from their jobs and appointments and shopping. Letters were written. Meetings were held. Rocks were actually thrown at the passing trains. Emergency vehicles were compromised. Nobody listened. Not the city governments. Not the county governments. Not the state governments. And herein lies the advantage of having friends in high places. At this same time in our history, I walked into a County Commissioners meeting held at the local Elks Lodge - with no prior announcement. Jeff Kemp, owner of Pacific Steel, was telling the commissioners that his employees only have one-half hour for lunch and they complained about not being able to get to McDonald’s and back because of the train traffic. Mr. Kemp placed a call to his really good friend - Mr. Kemp’s words, not mine County Commissioner Henry Heimuller. My understanding from that discussion at the time is that Heimuller called the railroad company and asked that the schedule of the trains be changed and it happened. So, there you have it. All you need to do to get things done in this county is to make a healthy contribution to the campaign fund of your “really good friend”. Now to connect some more dots. With this next section, please keep in mind the actions of Abraham Lincoln upon being elected as President of the United States - no relatives - no friends of relatives. Alex Tardiff, incumbent
Columbia County Commissioner, actually began the outreach part of his campaign in our home with a group of people who soon became ardent supporters of his election. Commissioner Tardiff is highly educated, easily accessible, hard working and I have never asked him a question which he refused to answer. Tardiff has volunteered to take a reduction in his approximately $94,000/year salary in order to compensate for other monetary county losses. He has spent less than $3,000 on his reelection campaign. I highly urge you to keep Commissioner Tardiff working for all of us by voting for him in the upcoming election. Casey Garrett is one of the persons running against Commissioner Tardiff. Mr. Garrett has spent nearly $18,000 on his bid to replace Tardiff. He is also the son-in-law of Jeff Kemp, owner of Pacific Steel and the “really good friend” to incumbent county commission Henry Heimuller. Again, I urge you to retain Commission Alex Tardiff for the Board of Commissioners for Columbia County - Position 3. Current County Commissioner Margaret Magruder ran her first election on the promise that she would protect farmers near the Clatskanie Port Westward industrial project and that she would create “jobs-jobs-jobs”. She has done neither. Brandee Dudzic is one of three persons seeking to oust Magruder - and I am seeking to help her. Dudzic is highly educated and motivated. She is a veteran of the armed forces has served her country and her county. We need fresh new ideas to face the maelstrom of confusion and upheaval in our immediate future. Please vote for Brandee Dudzic for Columbia County Commissioner - Position 1. As you may notice, I love giving my opinion - and here’s a gimme. Michael Clarke, attorney-at-law, would most certainly make one of the best judges this county has ever had. I have been acquainted with Mr. Clarke for many years and have worked with him on various pro bono projects in which he sought to protect the people of Columbia County. Clark is honest, forthright and does not make promises
he cannot keep - and he is right - Judge Grant falsely accusing a colleague of stalking “is not fitting for a judge or for the administration of justice”. Vote Michael Clarke, Judge of the Circuit Court, 19th District, Position 3. Thanks for reading. Nancy Whitney St. Helens
Responding to Cathy Pitkin’s Recent Letter The COVID-19 pandemic has brought us into a whole new world. I disagree that we are better off by simple reelecting Alex Tardif, a oneterm commissioner, who has never dealt with any challenge like this before. We need to choose the best person for the job under this new situation – someone with plenty of real-life experience and maturity, plus a solid financial understanding of pluses and minuses in the business world (not just government), gained through 12 years of running her own bookkeeping business. Jeanne Correll is just the leader we need now. Jeanne Correll is going to work for all, especially us seniors. Our taxes are so high, most seniors cannot afford them. Let Jeanne work for you. She has my vote. Anna Earlywine St. Helens
Support for Garrett For my friends in Columbia County, I’m not much for politics, but I do know good people and my friend Casey Garrett is one of them. He’s a hard working family man, with good morals, strong business sense and amazing work ethic, he is running for County Commissioner, a position I believe he greatly deserves, and for whom if elected will greatly benefit the citizens. If you care about your County, and you want to end needless spending and want to improve your community, Casey is your guy. He’s college educated, ran his own businesses, built Pacific Stainless, and worked many years
for the County. He has real world experiences and will take Columbia County into the next century. James Malarkey Camas, WA
Clarke for Judge
Michael T. Clarke for Circuit Court Judge will put honor back into an honorable position. Anyone interested in the upcoming local elections should (re)read the May 18, 2019 article “Judge Grant falsely accuses colleague of stalking”. The judge denounced an employee at the courthouse of stalking another employee. Since a judge had made a serious accusation the County Commissioners ordered an independent investigation. Stoelk Investigations, from Salem, found that the judge’s statements were not supported and that she altered her story. The final report can be found here https://pamplinmedia.com/documents/artdocs/00003640934613-0093. pdf. The report asserts that the judge’s statements were “disingenuous” (p. 17), and “simply lacks credibility” (p. 17). The report’s last sentence concludes “behavior as reported by Judge Grant – Unfounded” (p. 18). Disturbingly the report mentions other undisclosed investigations (p. 16) involving the judge. I suspect those may have been undertaken by the Oregon Judicial Fitness Commission, but because that commission is secretive we will probably never know. In good conscience I cannot vote to retain a judge that, through an independent investigation, was found to be disingenuous, lacking credibility, and worst of all, from a highly respected position made false accusations against others. I cannot condone such dishonorable actions by a judge. I have higher expectations so I will be voting for change. Clarke has a broad legal experience, he is ethical, hardworking, and reliable. Vote for Michael T. Clarke for Circuit Court Judge.
Al Petersen St. Helens
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be delivered to most of A the A tt tt oo rr nnIeewould yy ss like to comment Voters in Columbia County on a part of history. Some time which includes the Clatskanie/ (503) 556-4120 556-4120 (503) ago I read an excellent book Rainier area cemetery service entitled, “A Team of Rivals”. area. Measure 5-280 is asking Accidents •Personal Injury •Wrongful Death This was•Wrongful a great book about a Accidents Death for additional funds•Personal to operate Injury great man - Abraham Lincoln. our rural cemeteries for five Lincoln’s cabinet was an years. The rate requested is Until No Fee Fee Until Recovery Recovery No amalgam (a mixture or blend) $0.05 per thousand assessed of past political rivals and gonn && W W sh ingto gto aash in nn value or one nickle. OOrreego allies because he appointed The monies are designated FREEand INITIAL CONSULTATION leaders of competing factions FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION for the maintenance operations for 12 cemeteries cov- of his Republican Party to key cabinet posts. By putting ering 37 acres. All the work his rivals in his cabinet, he to maintain these cemeteries
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Public Notices
CC20-1216
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Clatskanie RFPD, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal
year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at Port of Columbia County Offices, 555 SW Bryant St., Clatskanie, OR. The meeting will take place
via GoTo Meeting on May 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. If allowed, this meeting will be held in person so please check the District’s website for updates. The purpose
CC20-1214
of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget
Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget
CC20-1207
O P L M
l d A M t i
fi d document may be inspected a or obtained on or after May a 11, 2020 at 365 S Nehalem t Street, between the hours e of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. t a M g r
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF A public meeting of the 20, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. The Budget Committee. A copy OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA Budget Committee of the purpose of the meeting is to of the budget document may Rainier Cemetery District, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at Rainier Cemetery Office, 24952 Alston Rd, Rainier, Oregon. The meeting will take place on May
receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the
be inspected or obtained on or after May 18, 2020 at 365 S Nehalem Street, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Please note: All social distancing rules in place at the time of the meeting will be strictly followed.
CC20-1221
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of ROBERT ALFRED KEARSLEY, Deceased. No. 20PB01973 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 April 17, 2020. Durell R. Kearsley, Personal Representative. STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law, P.O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048.
CITY OF CLATSKANIE CLATSKANIE CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE The Clatskanie City Council by Ex. Order 20-12 due to Recovery after Covid 19; MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN will meet for a regular the COVID-19 virus. Please a resolution to participate meeting on Wednesday, May 6th 2020 @ 7:00 PM in the Clatskanie City Hall Council Chambers, (2nd floor), 75 S. Nehalem St. The Meeting will be conducted via teleconference for City Councilors. Public attendees must adhere to social distancing rules described
CC20-1219
see the City’s website or public notice for additional changes, if required, before the meeting. Agenda items include, but are not limited to: Approval of the minutes of the April 1st, 2020 regular meetin; Introduction of Mark Ellsworth of the Port ofCol. County regarding Business
in an IGA with the PUD;a resolution authorizing a supplimental budget for the Facility Masterplan and grant from Business Oregon. If you have special needs, please contact City Hall by May 6th, 2020. An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by May 1st, 2020.
CC20-1222
NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held virtually via Go To Meeting application. The public is invited to call in to visually attend the meeting at (786) 535-3211 on May 12, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. The purpose
of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected on or after April 17, 2020 at 270 Columbia Blvd., St. Helens between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on the District website at http://www. crfr.com/district-budgetand-statistics.html. This is a public meeting where
deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may call in to the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. Please notify the District of your desire to speak by emailing nelsonm@crfr.com by 6:00 p.m. on May 12, 2020. For more information, please visit the District website at www.crfr.com.
CC20-1220
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Clatskanie Library District, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at the Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie, OR. The meeting will take place via
GoToMeeting on May 20, 2020 at 7:00 pm. If allowed, this meeting will be held in person so please check the District’s website for updates. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where
deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 18, 2020 at 11 Lillich St., between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
CC20-1209
City of Clatskanie Notice of Budget Committee Meeting A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Clatskanie, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 will be held at City Hall, 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D. The meeting will take place on May7th, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom, observing social distancing protocol. The purpose of the meeting is to
receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 1, 2020 at 75 S Nehalem St., Suite D, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Please call 503-728-2622 beforehand so arrangements can be made. Due to social distancing the office is closed to the public. This
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is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. Any person having special needs should contact the City Manager by May 7, 2020 to make arrangements. For more information visit the city website at www. cityofclatskanie.com.
pursuant to ORS 294.401, that a public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Northwest Regional Education Service District, Washington County, Oregon, will be held virtually on the 19th day of May, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will
take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss proposed programs with the Budget Committee. In response to the health emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, NWRESD facilities are currently closed to the public and meetings are being held virtually. Public comment will be taken in written and virtual formats. Public comments will be subject to a three-minute limit per community member. For more information on public comment, please provide
your name, phone number, and address to the Board Secretary via phone message at 503-614-1401, or email to lslyh@nwresd.org. A copy of the budget document may be viewed online at www. nwresd.org on or after May 15, 2020, via email request to lslyh@nwresd.org, or via phone message at 503-6141401. A copy of this notice is also posted on the Northwest Regional ESD website at www.nwresd.org. Dan Goldman, Budget Officer and Tami Montague, Chief Financial Officer
CC20-1218
Clatskanie Rural Fire Protections District MEETING NOTICE The regular meeting of the Clatskanie Rural Fire Protection District board of directors will be held on, Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 7:00 P.m. via GoToMeeting unless the Stay At Home Order
restrictions have been lifted, then the meeting will be held at 555 SW Bryant St., Clatskanie, OR, Port of Columbia County Offices (the Old Middle School). ANY AND ALL SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES IN
PLACE AT THE TIME OF THE MEETING WILL BE APPLIED DURING THIS MEETING. Items on the agenda, but not limited to: Updates on daily Fire and EMS operations. Board President, Roberty Keyser
CC20-1211
Notice of Budget Committee meeting A public meeting of the Columbia County 4-H and Extension Service District, Columbia County, State of Oregon to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021 will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, 2020 at 10:30am at the Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, Oregon. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to
receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may attend to ask questions or comment on the budget document. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 6th, 2020 at https:// extension.oregonstate.edu/ columbia or email Chip.
CC20-1210
Notice of Public Hearing The Budget Committee of the City of Clatskanie will hold a Public Hearing at City Hall on May 7th 2020 at 7:00 p.m. in the ballroom, observing social distancing protocal, regarding the proposed use
of approximately $20,000 in State Revenue Sharing Funds in the fiscal year 2020-21 budget. Any person having special needs should contact the City Manager by May 7, 2020 to make arrangements.
Bubl@oregonstate.edu or call 503-397-3462 and leave a message to have a copy sent. Notice: If the Pandemic precautions are still in place on May 13th, 2020, the meeting will be conducted digitally via Zoom video conference and by phone or by other electronic means. Information about the hearing process will be placed on the Extension Service website above.
Public Notice deadline is Wednesdays by noon. Late submissions may not get in the paper
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Friday, May 1, 2020
FAIR From Page A1
County fair operators were mandated to close the fairgrounds, which resulted in lost revenue over the course of a month, according to Chamberlain, who did not reveal how much revenue was lost. “I was extremely disappointed we had to make that decision,” Chamberlain said. “We lost so much money in other areas, we had to cut back.” Chamberlain said if the
fair continues, there will be one stage by the pavilion but it will not have the sound system set up like it has had in the past. “So that means that if bands that would require a sound system don’t have their own, we’d have to cancel,” Chamberlain said, who added that the entertainers have been understanding overall. The fair board is closely looking at options for the fair, including allowing the traditional 4-H events, such as children showing animals. However, the board has yet to have specific discussions with 4-H organizers about fair option plans.
Fair Board Vice President Jamie Carr said the fair typically draws crowds of more than 10,000 per day, and last year funds raised from ticket sales were a little bit more than the previous year, although Carr did not have an exact figure. This year would have been the fair’s 105th anniversary. The fair board members are still in the process of figuring out what they will do. “We have to make a decision eventually,” Chamberlain said. “We’ll announce that as soon as we know more information.” Making that decision will involve taking direction
•
from many different entities. According to Carr, the Fair Board has conducted a conference call with the Oregon Fairs Association, a representative from the governor’s office, and Oregon State University, which supports 4-H. Fair board members took notes and will reflect on what to do in the coming weeks, but no specific date has been set as of April 28, for a decision about the fair’s future. Chamberlain said the final decision will depend largely on what Gov. Kate Brown and Columbia County Public Health mandate. “Whatever decision is made about the run of the
career in Portland working in the hospitality, catering and food service industry. He will remain in our hearts forever.
Aug. 20, 1957 ~ April 15, 2020
death by his father Glenn Byrum and previous wife Karen Byrum.
He is survived by his mother Carolee McRoberts (Charlie) of Longview, Washington; brother Kirk Byrum of Kelso, Washington; wife Jennifer Byrum; three children, Jennifer Sterba (Dwayne), Max Byrum (Ashlee), and Jeannie Mustola (Andrew); stepchildren, Alex Gaylin and Madison Gaylin all of Clatskanie; and five grandchildren. A small gathering of family and friends will be held later this summer with a date to be determined. Groulx Family Mortuary is handling the arrangements.
Luceille May Proksel (nee Tombleson) born Dec. 8, 1920 passed away from natural causes in Portland on April 7, 2020. She was predeceased by her husband, William “Bill” Proksel in 1980. Luceille and Bill owned and operated several motels and bars on the California and Oregon coasts. They retired to the West Linn/Lake Oswego area in the 1960s and spent their later years traveling, golfing, gardening, and enjoying their extended family. Luceille moved to Rainier, Oregon from Lamar, Colorado
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in 1928 with her parents and seven siblings. She graduated
Dec. 3, 1951 ~ April 19, 2020 Angela Gay Frankus Bauman was born Dec. 3, 1951 in Utica, New York. She passed away on April 19, 2020 from complications due to a sudden brain bleed. Angela retired early after 30 years as an RN certified in pediatric nursing as well as an adjunct faculty member for LCC nursing students. She enjoyed her retirement years traveling with friends and loving on her grandchildren. Surviving Angela is her son Nick Frankus (Lindsey),
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Raegen and Reese; son Ben Bauman (Mary) Maddie and Emma; and daughter Rhiannon Bauman (RJ), Beau and Sidney. Her surviving siblings are, Jerry Gay, Chris Gay, Alison Brown and Donita Rapp. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lower Columbia College Nursing Program, 1600 Maple St. Longview, WA 98632. Phone: (360) 442-2311. We will have a celebration of life at a later date.
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from Stanfield High School in 1937. Luceille had no children, but is survived by one brother, Wesley of Keizer, Oregon; 22 nieces and nephews; and three step-grandchildren, all who remember her as being very generous, interested in others, and having a terrific sense of humor right up to the end. There will be a private graveside service at 11 a.m. on June 27, 2020, at the Hudson Cemetery in Rainier, Oregon to be officiated by her nephew, Rev. Larry Tombleson of Salem, Oregon.
Angela Bauman
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Chief photo
The Junior Rodeo is always an attraction during the Columbia County Fair.
Dec. 8, 1920 ~ April 7, 2020
Michael Glenn Byrum
Michael Glenn Byrum, loving husband and father, died unexpectedly at home on April 15, 2020 at the age of 62. Mike was born Aug. 20, 1957 to Carolee and Glenn Byrum in Kelso, Washington. He was an accomplished fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. He worked 32 years at Georgia Pacific Wauna Mill and retired in August 2019. After retirement he enjoyed traveling with his wife, walking the park with his dog Tucker and regular visits to the library. Mike was a beloved father and grandfather and was spending retirement with his family. Mike was proceeded in
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Luceille Proksel
Jan. 11, 1973 ~ March 25, 2020 He graduated from Rainier High School and Western Culinary Institute in Portland, Oregon. Josh lived his life and
fair this year will be made with the best thoughts and intentions and will not be decided in a vacuum,” the Columbia County Board of Commissioners said in a Chronicle Guest Opinion (see page 4). The Chief printed a story in the April 24 edition that said the Columbia County Fair was suspended but planning for the summer event was continuing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This story clarifies that the fair is not suspended.
•O bituaries • •
Joshua Jay Ryan
Josh Ryan 47, of Rainier, Oregon, passed away at PeaceHealth Hospital in Longview, Washington on March 25, 2020.
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Clatskanie Grows: Ants on the move, intensive planting CHIP BUBL Chief Guest Column
Carpenter ants on the move
The most common calls we receive in the Extension office concern ants, either the tiny “sugar” ants, harvester ants, or carpenter ants. Let’s dispose of the sugartype ants upfront. They are small, a terrible nuisance, and difficult to eradicate but they do no structural damage to your house. They live under rocks, cracks in foundations, under boards, or in the ground and they will work diligently to find their way into your kitchen. The best solution is to experiment with a series of baits until you find the one that works on your species. Harvester ants, also known as thatching ants, build those large mounds and will bite if threatened. But they don’t go looking for trouble and generally perform some valuable cleanup services around the landscape. I have watched them devour flying termite queens in the late summer. There is a theory that they may also reduce the volume of carpenter ant nests where they are active. So, I do not recommend control unless they are in a place where you have to work around them all the time. Standard insecticides that are labeled for ants will control them. Be sure and follow label instructions when using any pesticides. The carpenter ants, however, are another story. They do lots of structural damage in Columbia County and can be very hard to control. They prefer wet wood but will work in dry wood quite comfortably. They do not eat the wood for food but instead make their home in it. Therefore, they have to go outside to collect seeds,
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Motherway: I selected a fire related book for Patrick to read per the teachers request, then Dr. Seuss is what Keith and Ken selected and Dragons Love Tacos is what Robert selected. The Chief: What has been the reaction to this project? Motherway: The project has been very well received
succulent small insects, and aphid “honeydew”, a particular delicacy. In fact, the carpenter ants will defend their aphid ranches from aphid predators. They have reproductive (winged) swarms in the spring and early summer. They mate and then the males die and the large females shed their wings and go looking for a home. We have both all black (the most common) of bicolored (red and black) carpenter ants. Treatment generally consists of putting down an insecticide barrier around the house (along the foundation and out about two feet) and removing all vegetation touching the house so they have to cross the insecticide barrier. Wood that has been damaged should be replaced and if the colony can be located, should be treated. Severe infestations or unusual situations (roofs and wooden cathedral ceilings) should receive commercial treatment. Identification is important. Carpenter ants (the bicolored ones) can be confused with the thatching ants. Note that the most important characteristic that separates carpenter ants from the harvester ant is the smooth thoracic dorsum versus the “notched” dorsum on the thatching ant. Intensive vegetable planting
rule in the plant kingdom is even patches of dappled shade. the plant that gets more light, But once you get the hang of wins. That “winner” plant it, if they are fruiting, you will be able to grow will be amazed by deeper roots and their abundance. more leaves Burned timof larger ber harvest size. A slash piles leaf letare still tuce bed used and planted often at a 4” x yield 4” spacgood ing will caches not yield of Clatskanie anywhere morels. Grows near as Always much leaf to make sure eat as the same you have legal square footage 6” access to sites you x 6” plants. mushroom on. Gardeners should aim for There are two distinct mature plants that just touch morel types, the black morels when they reach their mature (Morchella elata and M. ausize. Planting with this precise gusticeps) and the “true” mospacing is easy with transrel, Morchella esculenta. There plants, less easy when you are also some false morels. direct seed. But it is possible. The take-home message is that You must seed enough (all false morels can be very danseeds will not make it) and gerous, causing severe stomthen thin aggressively to get ach distress or worse. False the right spacing. The followmorels aren’t hard to identify ing table gives some spacing if you do a little research. Get guidelines for intensive planta good mushroom book that is ings: west coast focused. Also, some people are allergic to regular • Beans (bush) - 6x6” morels, so consume them at • Beets - 4x4” first with a bit of caution. • Broccoli - 18x18” • Carrots - 2x2” • Chard - 9x9” • Corn - 9x28” • Lettuce (leaf) - 6x6” • Lettuce (head) - 12x12” • Onions - 3x3” • Peppers - 12x12” • Potatoes - 9x9” • Tomatoes (staked) 24x24”
writing newspaper columns and newsletters, and working to develop programs that can reach you online. We are really committed to helping our communities in any way we can, especially in our areas of subject matter expertise (farming, gardening, forestry, food, food safety, and nutrition, healthy decision-making, and youth education) and any other way we can enrich your life and/or make you safer in these challenging times. Please do not hesitate to contact us. And please, take all steps necessary to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe. OSU Master Gardener™ Spring Fair/Tomato Sale is canceled for 2020
Free newsletter The Oregon State University Extension office in Columbia County publishes a monthly newsletter on gardening and farming topics (called County Living) writ-ten/edited by yours truly. All you need to do is ask for it and it will be mailed or emailed to you. Call 503 397-3462 to be put on the list. Alternatively, you can find it on the web at http://extension. oregonstate.edu/columbia/ and click on newsletters. Many Extension publications available online
Free online OSU vegetable gardening class:
Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting grapes? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https:// catalog.extension.oregonstate. edu. Click on publications and start exploring. The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.
https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/mastergardener-series-vegetablegardening Free online beginning OSU/Food Bank vegetable gardening class (“Seed to Supper”: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/our-work/programs/ education/gardening.
Contact information for the Extension office Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County Address: 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 Phone: 503 397-3462 Email: chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu.
I know many of you will be disappointed. But we promise to come roaring back next year with the best Spring Fair ever.
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Spring morels
Vegetable gardens grown in beds, raised or not, lead gardeners to plant more intensively. This practice can yield more produce per square foot and can help in the battle against weeds by shading them out. However, lettuce seedlings or transplants can stunt each other if each plant is not given sufficient room to grow. The throughout the community and I have even noticed other fire districts throughout the state doing something similar The Chief: What does the crew take away from this project.. the crew members reward? Motherway: Our crew loves to participate in activities for the good of the community, knowing we can do something to help brighten others day especially during this time is worth it.
The morel is a mushroom to build meals around. Those whose tastes run to such delicacies know that this is the month to look for them. They appear in the better stores and, more importantly, underfoot. Columbia County has two distinct locales that may produce morels. Columbia River edges that are filled with cottonwoods can be very productive some years. A sharp eye is needed, for the morels are disguised in leaves, limbs, and
The OSU Extension office is closed to face-to-face public contact, but you can still reach us All of us (faculty and staff) will still be working (mostly out of the office), answering phone calls left on our answering machines, email messages (chip.bubl@oregonstate.edu),
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The Chief: After we make it through this health crisis, will the reading continue? Motherway: We would like to continue reading books for the community, and always look for ideas and suggestions of community enrichment. Motherway videotapes the reading sessions. To see and listen to the bedtime stories, visit the Columbia River Fire & Rescue and Scappoose Fire Facebook pages.
Allow me to introduce myself LAKEN GORTLER Sponsored content
My name is Laken Gortler, Division Manager at Dahlgren’s Do It Best. This is our attempt to reach out to Columbia County, from North County to South, to tell you what’s going on down at the store, what specials we have, and some new projects for the occasion. Right now, we’re in the midst of our chicks and feed sales. The chick business has been very active this year, with such popular breeds as Barred Rock, Americanas, and Rhose Island Reds. We also offer turkeys, ducks, pheasants, and quail. Our Farm and Ranch team has been extremely busy, as well, with water tanks, corral panels, gates, and building fences and such. Our feed section has been extremely active this year. We’re setting up a program to deliver feed throughout Columbia County. We do offer that service already, but we’d like to expand it and see it grow. And let’s not forget about our fencing program. Field fencing, utility fencing, nonclimb fencing, and wooden and steel fence posts fill out
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of Oregon. Remember, we deliver, so don’t get out if you don’t have to, just give us a call. Stay home, save lives, and we look forward to seeing you when the quarantine lifts.
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I’M VOTING FOR CASEY GARRETT COUNTY COMMISSIONER POSITION 3
• Pacific Stainless Products contracted with Casey to relocate PSP from Beaverton with an almost impossible time frame and a very tight budget. His collaborating skills to run the bureaucratic gauntlet of approvals and permits were essential for our on-time completion. Casey’s expert management of the construction and relocation portions ensured our successful move, on-time and under budget. • Again, when PSP was ready to expand, we contracted with Casey for Phase 2, this was right in the middle of the recession. PSP gave him a stipulation that he had to hire only local contractors and workers to complete the process. Once again, he completed this on-time and under budget. • He is the only candidate that has collaborated with the City Manager, Mayor, County Commission, the Port and the State, working all together and got the job done. • Casey’s education and background give him the experience needed to guide our County through the tough times ahead. • Casey’s work ethic is unmatched, as he will put in the hours necessary to complete all his obligations, he will be available for his constituents County-wide when they need him. • Once the Finance & Accounting Department has completed the County budget and presented it to the Commissioners for approval, that is when the work begins. Working the budget to insure on-time and under budget occurs at every line item, this process takes experience and collaboration, where Casey is unmatched. • Casey’s budgeting experience of producing accurate, measurable and reliable budgets will serve the County well in our uncertain financial times ahead. • He is the only candidate that has actually relocated a manufacturing company with family-wage jobs to our County. • Casey’s ability to manage, communicate and collaborate is unprecedented and his greatest asset for our County. His passion for our County and its continued success is unwavering. A vote for Casey is a vote for family-wage jobs! Paid for Jeff Kemp, President, Pacific Stainless (not approved by any campaign) Columbia County’s trusted local news source
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Superintendent departing Vaughn: I’ve never been involved in the process, so I would say the board will decide whether the board will get an interim or complete the process to hire a new one.
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Rainer School District Superintendent Michael Carter will be leaving office to take a similar position at the Lake County School District 7 in southeast Oregon. Carter made the announcement public in a message to the Rainier School District administrators and staff. “I have really enjoyed Rainier over the past 19+ years, and I have been blessed to call Rainier home. I have learned a great deal from each of you, and I hope that I have had a positive influence with those that I have had the pleasure to serve with. I ask that for anyone that I may have offended over these past years, that you please forgive me and remember that I’m only human. Many wonderful things have been accomplished in our community because of the educators and leaders who have served in various capacities, and I thank everyone of them for their efforts. Again I am humbled by all the wonderful educators, students, colleagues, parents, and community partners, that I have had the privilege to serve with. If there is ever anything that I can do to help you on this wonderful journey called life, please don’t hesitate to contact me.” Carter ended the message by saying, “Remember to always keep the big picture burning brightly.” “Michael Carter emerged as the right fit for our District and we are excited that he will be our next Superintendent,” Lake County School Board Chair Barry Shullanberger said in a release. Rainier School Board chair Darren Vaughn responses to Carter’s decision to leave in the following conversation with Chief reporter Christine Menges. The Chief: What is your reaction to hearing that Michael Carter is leaving? Vaughn: Congratulations. I was a reference for him, so it
The Chief: What is the annual pay range with benefits for the Superintendent’s position? Chief photo
Rainier School District Superintendent Michael Carter addresses the 2018 senior graduates. Carter has accepted the position of Superintendent at the Lake County School District in southeast Oregon.
wasn’t a surprise to me. I knew that he was looking. The Chief: What will be the board’s process to find a replacement? Vaughn: With the announcement of the news that he had accepted the position, we need to look into what processes are available. I know several are available. Considering that Mr. Carter accepted the position July 1, we would either have to appoint an interim or complete the process before then. It could go either way. I don’t know, once again, I would pull back to say, I’m one of seven so I can’t speak to what the board would decide. Oregon School Board Association has different services. Some boards go out on their own and do it. I don’t know what our board will decide. I know that no doubt, it will be a topic of conversation at this upcoming meeting. The Chief: What skills and qualities would you and the board look for in the new superintendent? Vaughn: I’m one of seven and this is new as of this morning. It’s too early to say that, there will be a board-produced criteria. The Chief: Given the time frame, Carter gone by July, would the board first appoint an interim superintendent while the search for a permanent replacement is conducted?
Vaughn: It’s all set by contract it’s public info. Mr. Carter’s contract latest, approved it was right around $135,000. But he’s been at the school district around 19 years. He’s been superintendent since 2003. The Chief: Anything else to add? Vaughn: Next board meeting will probably have a topic of discussion about it. That will be when we know what direction the board’s going to take. We postponed our last meeting, and the next one is coming up tonight, and it’s virtual, on the district website there’s a link to watch or listen to the meeting, Rainier.k12.or.us. History Carter has been the Superintendent of Schools at Rainier School District since 2003, serving approximately 900 students. Before becoming Superintendent, he spent two years as principal at Rainier Junior/Senior High School. Carter said one of the notable achievements as Rainier School Superintendent is a 91% graduation rate. “I have an uncompromising view that all students can learn if we create the right environment that welcomes exploration and develops student confidence,” Carter said in the Lake County School District release. “One of my core values is that schools should be an enjoyable, meaningful and exciting place to be,” said Carter. “I am excited about joining the Lakeview community and becoming part of team that has a rich history as we lead our district to the next level of success.” Follow this developing story online at thechiefnews.com and in the Friday print editions of The Chief.
Photo courtesy of Paul Vincent
Paul Vincent and daughter in the process of capturing the first swarm of bees Vincent ever caught.
Beekeepers prepare for season CHRISTINE MENGES chronicle2@countrymedia.net
Spring brings budding in the trees, and with them, bees. Lots of bees. Sometimes swarms of them. Columbia County residents who have found swarms of bees on their property have a group of people they can call for help: the members of the Columbia County Beekeepers. The beekeepers have their individual phone numbers listed on their Facebook page for easy access. The 10 active club members have been working together for approximately three years. They meet once a month at the Oregon State University Extension Office in St. Helens. They got their 501c3 status in January of this year, meaning they are officially recognized as a nonprofit club. Columbia County Beekeepers president Paul Vincent has tips for anyone who encounters a swarm in their yard. The first thing to keep in mind is that they aren’t going to hurt you, he said. “A bee swarm has nothing to protect and they’re not going to hurt anybody,” Vincent said. “They’re looking for a home. If there’s hundreds of bees flying around your yard, they’re not going to hurt you. You could walk up to them and they won’t pay any attention to you.” Many people who see swarms in their yard might want to call an exterminator to get rid of them. That’s not necessarily the best idea, Vincent said, especially because bees are dying out because of colony collapse disorder. That exterminator would likely
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Health Authority reported as of April 29 there were 2,446 COVID-19 cases and 101 deaths in Oregon. Paul told the commissioners that Columbia County’s COVID-19 cases were holding at 14. He reported that 12 people have recovered from the virus and 650 people have tested negative. Paul said about 1 in 4 of the Oregon cases have been hospitalized during the illness. Seventeen percent of reported cases have been healthcare workers, and 22 percent reside or work in a congregate setting, such as a jail, a long-term care facility group, home or a shelter. “In the last 10 days, we are slowly in the decline as far as the number of new cases announced,” Paul said. “We’ve gone from 59 cases on April 18, to 66, 47, 46, 57, 68, and yesterday (Tuesday) 31 new
spray poison into the area where the bees reside, resulting in a bunch of dead bees in the person’s home, as well as the larva that the bees have laid, Vincent said. The dead carcasses are prime attraction for mice and other insects seeking food. Instead, the Columbia County Beekeepers want to capture swarms and put them to good use, often by making wax or honey. “We take care of them, we test them for various diseases,” Vincent said. “We keep them healthy, keep them productive. If I catch a swarm, I make sure that person gets a quart of honey.” Vincent is in his third year of beekeeping and he said he is still what’s considered a beginning beekeeper with three hives at his house and five more hives at a yard in Warren. One of those hives was captured from a resident’s yard who was facing a swarm. Vincent said his goal is to get up to 25 or 30 hives. Capturing a swarm of bees is as tricky as it sounds. Vincent said the effort involves giving the bees a home to move into when they swarm and that sometimes requires a fair amount of equipment. Vincent recently caught a swarm that was residing about 20 feet up a tree. He couldn’t get a truck near it, so he taped a bucket to a 20-foot pole and used that to get the swarm. Hours later, the entire swarm had moved in. By capturing the queen bee and making others follow, Vincent said his effort was successful. Accordion to Vincent, once a hive has been captured is when the beekeepers real work begins.
“Honey and wax are the two basic products you can get out of them,” Vincent said. Beekeepers can look at selling honey and wax once their hive or hives get productive, with wax being able to be sold wholesale for makeup, candles and other products. But to do that, Vincent said beekeepers have to take care of the hives, and keeping a beehive healthy is somewhat similar to taking care of any other pet. You have to make sure the hive isn’t sick, Vincent said, otherwise they can spread the virus to other beehives. Last year, three of Vincent’s then-seven hives died because he said he wasn’t following proper disease control. It’s possible for beekeepers to grow their hives by splitting them, which is what Vincent plans to do with his hives. His goal is to get up to 12 splits by May. He also has five swarm traps set up to catch any bee swarms looking for a home. Anyone with a swarm in their yard who is interested in contacting Vincent for a bee swarm pickup is welcome to do so, and can call Vincent directly at 971-757-0397. Vincent said most of the time he is willing to do a bee swarm collection free of charge, but might have to charge $25 per hour if the collection will require a lot of equipment. But Vincent isn’t the only person to call in the event of a bee swarm situation. “There’s a swarm call list on our Facebook page, pinned to the top of the page, there’s a post,” Vincent said.Call one of those numbers below, there are seven or eight numbers on the page. That would be the best way to do it right now.”
cases were pronounced, and seven deaths.” It is still not clear, Paul said, if the Reopening Plan will come either the hospital preparedness regions or individual counties. “It might make more sense for us since we don’t have a hospital and that many of our people commute to other counties for not just hospital care but for services that the hospital preparedness regions submit that plan,” Paul said. According to Paul, it will be necessary to work closely with different hospital regions. Heimuller asked Paul if the county has met the benchmark for beginning to reopen the county, since confirmed cases have been at 14 for more than 10 days. “For the reopen plan,” Paul said, “the numbers that I think they’re specifically looking at are two things: decline in hospitalizations over two weeks, not just the number of new cases, but
declining hospitalizations as well as the symptom onset. So we don’t know.” Paul said if the county were to get a new case that day, the symptom onset may have been four weeks ago, meaning the individual’s incubation period would have been in March. “The number of new cases is a different curve than the symptom onset date,” he said. “We’re looking at all those different factors: client hospitalizations, new cases per day, which affects our local investigative capacity, and the symptom onset curve.” For daily updates abut the COVID-19 cases in Columbia County, visit: https://www. columbiacountyor.gov/departments/PublicHealth.For statewide COVID-19 case updates, visit: https://www. oregon.gov/oha/PH/NEWSADVISORIES/Pages/index. aspx Follow breaking developments at thechiefnews.com.
BRANDEE DUDZIC County Commissioner
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