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Chronicle & Chief THE COLUMBIA COUNTY

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Wednesday, January 17, 2024 | Columbia County, Oregon

Saving a friend from peril

Courtesy photo from Rhys Davis

age from the house showed Davis hopping the fence to the open space behind the backyard.

“Day three, once I got that video of him taking off on the back porch, something’s wrong. He hadn’t called us, and I know he went back there, so something tells me something happened when he was on his walk,” Jennings said. “We go back looking and there’s his phone on the ground by a tree.”

Jennings said he and Davis’ live-in roommate, Jimmy Bancroft, began looking for him in the open space behind the house and talking to neighbors about whether they had seen him. They couldn’t find anything. After searching for a few hours, people believed he had gone to Portland. But Jennings wasn’t convinced.

Jennings began posting to Facebook to see if people had seen or heard of his whereabouts. Both Jennings and Davis have grown up in the community their whole lives, and Jennings said between the two of them, they know just about everyone. Jennings said one of his posts reached 11,000 people.

Jennings needed more time to search. To give him time to search, Jennings took time off work, because the mental burden of his friend missing was too much to bear. On the fifth day of Davis’s disappearance, Oct. 21, Jennings posted to Facebook asking if people had drones to help search and give a new perspective. Friends Eric McKinnis and Travis McCartney quickly answered the call.

The area behind Davis’ house is an open space with woods and a small ravine with a creek at the bottom. The police searched the area in the days after Davis went missing but didn’t find him. Jennings printed out maps from Google Maps and began marking the areas they had searched.

“Eric McKinnis and Travis McCartney brought their drones out, and we looked for a good couple hours. We split up, Eric went all the way over to Childs Road, and me and Travis went down the road and off into a trail that goes off into a big field,” Jennings said. “It was really cool how out of nowhere these two guys, who aren’t even friends with him, were there, just because they were good guys.”

McKinnis went to review the

Rhys Davis in the hospital after waking up, with James Jenning (left), and friend Charles Randolph (right).

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

What are the lengths you would go to help a friend in need? While many may say they would do whatever it takes, St. Helens resident James Jennings was confronted with that predicament when his best friend, Rhys Davis, went missing in late October.

Davis went missing after leaving his house on Oct. 16, 2023. What followed is a story of a friend who refused to stop searching until Rhys was located. Jennings has been friends with Davis since high school, now more than 20 years. They talk often, and when Jennings hadn’t heard from him for a few days, he knew something was up.

“I hadn’t heard from him for two or three days. So I called his mom.

She told me he kind of went missing,” Jennings said. “I always hear from him when something is going on.”

Jennings went to Davis’ house at 34942 Maple Street in St. Helens, where Rhys lived with his mother, Rena Davis. Working with her, he tried to piece together where he may have gone. While they hoped he would come home, when they didn’t hear from him for the entire day, Jennings started to feel that something was wrong.

Searching

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The last known location of Davis was his home, where security foot-

See DAVIS Page A6

Check out an experience

brary’s collection development fund, Hirning was able to partner with a variety of organizations to offer an array of activities and access to institutions for the Clatskanie community.

The Clatskanie Library website has passes available for the following cultural activities and institutions:

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc.

• Astoria Museums: Adventure in History Pass • Clatskanie Arts Commission 2023-2024 Season • Columbia River Maritime Museum • End of the Oregon Trail • Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum • Five Oaks Museum • Lan Su Chinese Garden • Oregon Historical Society • Parking Passes for Oregon State Parks • Pittock Mansion • Portland Art Museum • Portland Japanese Garden • Rice Northwest Museum of Rocks and Minerals

The Clatskanie Library District is located at 11 Lillich Street and can be reached at 503-728-3732.

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The Clatskanie Public Library has a program that seeks to share experiences of some Oregon’s cultural institutions while also taking away some of the barriers people may have to enjoying them.

Cultural Passes are items in the library that can be checked out, just like a book or movie. These passes provide reduced or free admission to different cultural institutions in the Portland Metro area.

Maryanne Hiring is the Director at the Clatskanie Public Library, and she said the program got up and running in October of 2023.

“We’re very excited about them, we do want the word to spread. I want everyone to be using them all the time,” Hirning said. “I think they’re so cool.”

Using funding through the li-

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Hiring said that the pass for the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria has been the most popular in the community. That pass has already been checked out over 20 times.

“I want to give them a huge shout-out because they gave it to us for free. It doesn’t cost us anything, See LIBRARY Page A8

Winter in Columbia County

Jon Campbell / Country Media, Inc.

Winter weather blew into St. Helens, causing disruptions to many businesses and functions, but also bringing with it an atmosphere of a winter wonderland.

Vote of No Confidence issued for Mayor Scholl WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The St. Helens Police Association (SHPA) released a letter addressed to St. Helens Mayor Rick Scholl and City Administrator John Walsh, which detailed a Vote of No Confidence in both city leaders on behalf of the association.

The letter was posted to the police association’s Facebook page at 6:22 p.m. on Jan. 15. Outlined within are concerns about the staffing crisis at the department, the long-delayed building of the police station, questions regarding the city’s tourism program, and loss of trust in the city to support the police association’s needs to maintain 24-hour coverage.

“We believe the citizens of St. Helens deserve to know why SHPA has taken this drastic step.

First, the city promised SHPA and the members of the public that it would increase police staffing during a city council Session on Feb. 16, 2022. Mr. Walsh and Mr. Scholl, have failed to keep their promise,” the letter stated.

The letter also called into question the city’s management of finances and lack of transparency involving the finances of Halloweentown. Specifically, the letter questioned the finances relating to tourism and the city’s contracted employee, Tina Curry, operating as E2C, Corp.

“We want to know where all the monies generated from Halloweentown since its contractual relationship with E2C and Tina Curry have been spent. We want to know how much E2C has been paid in fees and profits from this event and the city. We want to know why city staff have been forced by the administration of this city to manage and work what has essentially become a private for profit business run by a friend of Mr. Walsh,” the letter stated.

Special meeting The Vote of No Confidence comes less than a week after a contentious special meeting on Jan.

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10 between the St. Helens City Council and police representatives. During the meeting, representatives of the St. Helens Police Department (SHPD) outlined their concerns with the city’s handling of police staffing. Addressing city staff during the meeting, St. Helens Police Association President Dylan Gaston said they currently have 21 sworn staff, and the department’s goal is to have 29. Gaston said that with three officers planning to retire this year, the city has not made proper preparations to maintain staffing levels. Gaston also noted that they currently only have one detective, putting limitations on the investigations into major crimes.

Gaston proposed a solution of adding $15 to the city’s utility bill, which would allow the city to cover the cost of building the new station and filling the needed positions that remain vacant.

Gaston said that with three officers planning to retire this year, the city has not made proper preparations to maintain staffing levels.

It was noted during the meeting that if people were willing to fund the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office levy, they didn’t feel asking citizens to fund the SHPD through taxes was unreasonable.

During the meeting, Officer Bryan Cutright asked Scholl and Walsh to resign, citing that he did not feel they were prioritizing public safety and the police’s need to properly and safely do their jobs.

“If you ask me, it’s time for Mayor Rick Scholl and City Administrator John Walsh to resign their positions within the city,” Cutright said. “It has become abundantly clear that you lack the understanding and capability to run a city safely. It has become abundantly clear that you care more about the waterfront project and tourist events than you do police staffing. It has become abundantly clear that you have no desire to properly staff the police department so they can properly serve their citizens.”

In response, Scholl said the issue of staffing is related to the bud-

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get crisis the city is experiencing.

Scholl also noted the importance of maintaining the budget across all departments in the city.

Following the issuance of the letter, Gaston told the Columbia County Chronicle & Chief that staffing had been an issue for years.

“We have been asking the city for help with staffing for three years and have been ignored,” Gaston said. “In fact, they cut a position this year when we desperately needed to start hiring (to begin training new hires prior to several retirements this fall).”

Gaston said the city “continues to put public safety on a back burner” and has focused on other areas, including expanding city events.

Gaston also noted that the city’s population is increasing while the police presence is decreasing.

“The only plan the city has is to make officers work more overtime, and we are not going to stand for it. If they are really in their positions to do what is best for the city then they will increase police staffing or will resign,” Gaston said.

“It’s that simple.”

City response In response to the Vote of No Confidence, Walsh said that the city supports public safety, but it is not the only function of the City of St. Helens.

He said that, like other communities, they strive to have clean drinking water, compliant wastewater, parks, recreation, safe buildings, clean streets, community events, great schools, libraries, access to health care, and supportive social services for citizens.

“Public safety supports these efforts. The city is in a challenging financial situation. The decline of industry, the recent loss of Cascades Tissue, and the end of Federal COVID Stimulus funds, compounded with the impacts of high inflation and a challenging labor market, have all contributed

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Contact The Chronicle & CHief Phone: 503-397-0116 Fax: 503-397-4093 Email: chroniclenews@countrymedia.net 1805 Columbia Blvd.,St. Helens, OR 97051

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The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Clatskanie Elementary School’s January Student Spotlight SUBMITTED BY CLATSKANIE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Two students from Clatskanie Elementary School have been recognized as part of the Clatskanie School District’s Student Spotlight.

Paisley Mudrick

Paisley Mudrick with her award.

Courtesy photo from CSD

Paisley can always be counted on to be there to help and listen to her classmates when they are in need. She is a great friend and is always willing to befriend someone new.

Paisley honestly cares for those around her. Paisley has a smile on her face every day and looks to be a helpful and empathetic classmate and student.

Brylee Culp

Brylee Culp with her award.

Courtesy photo from CSD

Brylee has been called a “little mother” by many adults at CES because she is often found caring for others.

She is always there to listen and care for her classmates.

She is a very attentive listener when someone needs a friend. She genuinely cares for others and helps them when she sees they are struggling.

She will give up free time to sit with friends who are sad or hurt. She also celebrates with others when they win or succeed.

She is one of the most empathetic students I have ever met.

Lisa Flinn (left) & Principal Hernley (right)

Courtesy photo from SHD

Flinn recognized as Tire-less Teacher SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

Lisa Flinn is an instructional assistant at Plymouth High School and is an integral member of the Plymouth team.

Lisa goes out of her way to connect with students individually and provide them with one-on-one support with their academics, navigating peer relationships,

and general problem-solving as needed.

I notice every day that students are comfortable with approaching Lisa with their concerns and sharing their successes. Lisa works hard to earn the trust of the students, and it pays off exponentially as the students use her as a resource to support more positive outcomes for themselves.

Lisa also supports staff members by helping

teachers in the classroom, grading class work, tutoring students, assisting in the office, and even jumping in to help serve breakfast and lunch.

Lisa absolutely deserves recognition for her tireless efforts to support our students, and I wish every student in our district had a Lisa to go to when they need that listening ear and cheerleader in their corner.

Congratulations, Lisa!

Rotary Student of the Month SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Columbia County Rotary Club and St. Helens Virtual Academy are pleased to honor Justin Johnson as the January Rotary Student of the Month.

Justin’s unwavering commitment to meeting and exceeding deadlines is displayed in his commendable work ethic, which sets him apart.

We have witnessed Justin’s diligent efforts in the virtual classroom. His approach to the material is both focused and thorough, evidenced by the strong scores he consistently earns.

The level of difficulty in the content highlights Justin’s intellectual prowess, and his ability to navigate complex texts such as Dante’s Inferno, Homer’s The Odys-

Courtesy photo from SHSD

Justin Johnson

sey, and Shakespeare’s The Tempest speaks volumes about his commitment to academic excellence.

Justin’s journey is not only characterized by academic achievements but also by his development into a personable and engaged online learner. His willingness to share aspects of his life, adds a personal touch to the virtual classroom, fostering a sense of community among students. It is evident that Justin has not only adapted to online learning but has embraced it, utilizing the platform to showcase his academic excellence and share his unique personality.

Watching Justin grow and thrive in the virtual setting has been a joy, and it is with great pride that I recognize Justin today. His story is one of determination, resilience, and the transformative power of education, making him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

Congratulations, Justin!

Joe Bair accepting his Tire-Less teacher award.

Blair recognized as Tire-less Teacher SUBMITTED BY THE ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

and his humility Clatskanie postal workers rewarded individual, is truly admirable. Despite Joe Bair is a remarkable

LAUREY WHITE Chronicle & Chief Guest Article

Christmas brings with it a great time with family, but it also brings stress. One group that feels the stress acutely are our postal workers.

Local postal workers feel the holiday stress acutely.

Lori Sherman, Principal at Piercing Arrow Private School, found a way to honor the postal workers who work hard all year to help the community.

“I wanted to teach my grandchildren, as I taught my children, to give back.to the community,” said Sherman.

“With the many packages that go out over Christmas, postal workers have longer work days and shorter times with their own families.”

So the idea for a Christmas cookie box was born!

Cryptid Cookies assembled gift boxes with cookies and a special cookie stamp to go in the box.

Sherman put a notice about the cookies on Facebook asking who might want to sponsor a box of cookies.

“Within 45 minutes all boxes were sponsored,” said Sherman. “I think it would be a great idea to gift other

his extensive knowledge and skills, he remains down-to-earth, always willing to lend a helping hand and share his expertise with colleagues. His dedication to his profession is evident in every aspect of his work.

Joe’s expertise and proficiency in his field are unparalleled. His knowledge

Columbia Artist Association-SW Washington, announces an open call to artists in Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Lewis, Pacific, Clatsop, and Columbia counties for our 2024 Spring

base is expansive, and he consistently demonstrates a high level of skill in his work. His commitment to excellence is reflected in the impeccable quality of his work.

Working alongside Joe is a pleasure, as he approaches every task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

His patience and methodical approach to challenges contribute to a collaborative and supportive work environment. Joe’s ability to remain composed under pressure and find effec-

tive solutions makes him an invaluable asset to our department.

Joe is also a fun and engaging individual whose positive energy and genuine passion for his job create a welcoming environment.

His unwavering commitment to fostering a positive atmosphere is reflected in the smiles that accompany him wherever he goes.

Joe’s humility, knowledge, skills, and overall commitment to his profession are truly remarkable.

Congratulations, Joe!

Looking Forward to 2024 ADVERTORIAL Sponsored Content

Courtesy photo from Laurey White

Audrey Hepler and Hailie Hepler delivering gift boxes.

businesses at Christmas. I would like to thank all who sponsored their worthwhile

effort. They were a big hit with all those who work at the post office.”

Show.

Artwork in oils, acrylics, watercolor, mixed mediums along with 3-D creations will be featured at the juried showing, March 23 – April 13, 2024, held at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum in Kelso, WA. Artists need not be a CAA member to

enter. Items to be entered into the show will be received on Tuesday, March 19 from 10-2 p.m.

For more information and to access admission forms, please access our Facebook page or email ColumbianArtistsAssociation@yahoo. com.

Open call for artwork SUBMITTED BY MARY DUMKE

Courtesy photo from SHSD

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

Less than two weeks into the new year and we’ve already made it through our first relatively large outage.

The wind and snow January 8-10 caused outages to nearly 1,000 of our customers.

Thanks to the hard work of our line crews and staff, we were able to restore power to all of those customers pretty quickly.

Our goal, of course, is to keep the lights on, and to do so at the lowest practical cost to our customers. Those ideas were front and center in our minds as we crafted our Operating and Capital Budget for 2024, which was approved and adopted by our Board of Directors during their regular December meeting.

The $47.1 million budget will allow us to continue to maintain and improve our service to you. It will also let us keep our rates at some of the lowest in the state, as we do not anticipate any rate increases in 2024.

The adopted budget represents about a 9% increase from 2023. The main

driver for the larger budget is an increase in fixed costs (power, taxes, and depreciation). These costs have gone up about 11% compared to the 2023 Budget.

In producing the 2024 Budget, we aimed to balance the necessary costs of maintaining, upgrading, and expanding our electric distribution system with our mission to provide quality services at the lowest practical cost.

Roughly $2.5 million is budgeted to construct transmission lines connecting our new Deer Island Substation to our distribution system.

This will provide better reliability to customers in the Columbia City, Deer Island, Goble, and Rainier areas. It will also allow for more capacity and help us reroute power in emergency situations, which can help shorten the duration of outages.

Our outage prevention efforts also include converting overhead power lines to underground lines when practical. This year, we have projects planned on Apple Valley Road and Dutch Canyon Road in Scappoose. Roughly $1 million is

earmarked for these conversions to improve reliability and safety for our customers.

We are entering the third year of our meter replacement project to ensure uniformity of electric meters throughout our service territory. Nearly $1 million is budgeted for this project.

Each year, we seek input from members of our Budget Committee in producing the budget. We have a 12-member committee with members representing residential customers, senior citizens, income-qualified customers, commercial customers, and industrial customers.

Our Board of Directors has the final say on the budget process after careful consideration of the committee’s recommendations.

Our goal in creating this budget is that the improvements made over the year ahead help keep the power flowing to you.

Michael J. Sykes General Manager, Columbia River PUD

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

St. Helens Police December 23 • Police arrested a 33-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant and driving while suspended near Oregon Street and Deer Island Road.

December 24 • Police arrested a 39-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 1600 block of Old Portland Road.

December 27 • Police took a trespassing report at the 400 block of South 3rd Street.

• Officers arrested a 45-yearold male subject for theft II and criminal trespass II at the 300 block of South 16th Street.

December 28 • Police responded to a burglary of business and vandalism at the 50000 block

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The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

of Columbia River Highway.

• Officers took a missing person report at the 300 block of North 5th Street.

December 29 • Police respond to suspicious circumstances at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Police responded to a violation of a restraining order at the 600 block of Gable Road.

• Police arrested a 54-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant and drug offenses at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

December 30 • Police responded to a violation of release agreement at 150 South 13th Avenue.

• Police took a report on an identity theft at 150 South 13th Avenue.

• Officers arrested a 28-yearold male subject for DUII, reckless driving, reckless endangering, disorderly conduct II, tampering with witness, and interfering with police at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 27-year-old female subject on theft II at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

Police Reports

January 1 • Police took a report on Sex Abuse at the 90th block of Shore Drive.

• Police arrested a 31-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of South 18th Street.

• Officers arrested a 39-yearold male subject for DUIIdrugs at 1600 Old Portland Road.

• Police arrested 42-year-old female subject for DUII near Howard Street and Kelly Street.

January 2 • Police arrested a 19-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of 12th Street.

• Police arrested 40-year-old subject on criminal trespassing I at the 1500 block of St. Helens.

January 4 • Police investigated a violation of a contempt of court at the 100 block of North Vernonia.

• Officers arrested a 35-yearold male subject on theft I of US government property near the 700 block of Matzen.

• Police arrested a 49-year-old male subject for driving while suspended at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

January 5 • Officers arrested a 54-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at 100 South 4th Street.

• Police arrested a 32-year-old male subject on a fugitive warrant and probation violation at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Officers arrested a 54-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Police arrested a 48-year-old male subject for trespassing at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 27-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant, false information on criminal cite near South 16th Street and Plymouth Street.

running at large and very skittish. Animal control was notified.

• An officer responded to a false alarm at a credit union.

• A caller was concerned about the welfare of an unattended child in a yard.

January 7 • Police arrested a 43-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant near South 16th Street and Old Portland Road.

• Police did an agency assist on a DUII at 2000 Old Portland Road.

• Officers arrested a 31-yearold female subject for disorderly conduct II, criminal mischief I, and resisting arrest at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

January 7 • A car that was stolen in Rainier was later found stripped in Longview.

January 9 • A cagey canine was successful in eluding officers and avoiding capture.

• A resident reported a suspicious-looking person came to their house and rang the doorbell. The person took off when the homeowner’s dogs started barking.

• A resident was concerned when they returned home to find their dog outside when they had left it inside the house. Officers checked the house to make sure no one was inside.

• Officers responded to a traffic accident involving a passenger car and a semitruck on Highway 30 near a log dump. Fortunately, the driver of the passenger car sustained only minor injuries.

• Officers responded to a domestic disturbance. Peace was restored.

January 8 • Officers arrested a 40-yearold male subject on theft II at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 46-year-old male subject on disorderly conduct I at the 200 block of Strand Street.

December 31 • Police arrested a 41-year-old male subject on DUII, reckless driving at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

January 3 • Police Criminally Cited a male subject for driving while suspended at 67 700 South Columbia River.

• Police arrested a 44-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 100 block of Vernonia Road.

• Police arrested a 19-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of North 12th Street.

“A Grand Night for Singing” is the perfect way to launch our 2024 small musical series. A wonderful array of well-known R&H songs, peppered with some “notso-well” known songs, and some presented in new and innovative ways, this show - performed by a talented cast of five - is a great way to honor the classic music of Broadway,” Artistic Director and Founder of Bridgetown Conservatory Rick Lewis said.

Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre prides itself in being the premier training ground for young performers with an eye on a professional musical theatre career.

Bridgetown offers “triplethreat” training (acting, dance and vocal Performance) for young professional ages 12-19, preparing for college entrance into top-tier musical theatre programs and professional careers in musical Theatre. Bridgetown Conservatory’s musical theatre triple-threat program is taught by former Broadway and NYC professionals,

providing experienced and thoughtful insight into the training of young performers.

Over the past seven years, Bridgetown Conservatory’s graduating high school seniors have garnered spots in such prestigious musical theatre programs as: The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (London), The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Manhattan School of Music, Marymount Manhattan, NYU/Steinhard, NYU/Tisch, Boston Conservatory, Chapman University, Pace University, SCU Dramatic Arts, AMDA, Molloy College/ CAP21, among others.

The Bridgetown production will be directed by Kevin Paul Clark, with music direction by Rick Lewis.

Bridgetown student Jack Solari serves as production stage manager and lighting designer.

The cast is comprised of the talents of Jennifer Davies, Emma Degerness, Amelia Segler, Alexis Read,and Jeremy Anderson-Sloan.

Performances are in the Bridgetown Black Box Theatre. Wednesday, Thursday,

and Friday, Feb. 14, 15, and 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18, at 2:30 p.m.

The Wednesday, February 14th performance is a special

Valentine’s Day performance, which includes a free glass of wine/beverage, chocolates, and a single rose to accompany a beautiful night of singing.

Tickets are available online at: https://www. simpletix.com/e/a-grandnight-for-singing-tickets152393#smtx-click.

3. Acquired new patrol vehicles fitted with the latest technology to improve the safety of our officers 4. Built new police administrative offices in the Recreation Center so there was a dedicated building with access to proper amenities 5. Built an in-office K-9 kennel room for our new police canine 6. Purchased new body-worn cameras for our officers 7. Purchased new reportwriting software for our officers 8. Increased the police budget by several million dollars 9. Completed the design for a new Police Station 10. Secured Federal grant funding to assist in Police investigation technology

that it utilizes the city’s limited Hotel Lodging Tax funds and produces not only Halloweentown but other events like Independence Day, 13 Nights on the River, Christmas Ships, and other events throughout the year.

“The city dedicates a portion of the Transient Lodging Fee to the independent contractor E2C, who produces the events and shares a portion of the revenue back to the city,” Walsh said. “By law, 90% of tourism funds must be used for tourism purposes only. The city uses the funds that the contractor gives back to the city to support General Fund services, including police. The events do produce revenue, but there are also significant expenditures related to the event production.”

Walsh said E2C’s use of these special revenue funds brings far more economic activity than the taxes

received. The events generate “significant economic activity” for St. Helens and businesses in the community, according to Walsh. He also noted there have been “no findings of mismanagement of the funds.”

Walsh said the Police Association’s claim of there being no impartial audit is not true and that independent auditing firm Merina and Associates performed a 2021 audit, and no findings were reported. The 2022 audit was performed by the city’s former finance director, who retired in 2017. The same procedures were used for both audits.

“Spirit of Halloweentown is operated under an Independent Contractor Agreement which is governed by state law,” Walsh said. “The Contractor’s financials are subject to annual audit, but much of the details are not subject to public disclosure

by law. This is just like any other contractor the city works with.”

Walsh also said that the police union and city staff had resolved a different solution prior to the Jan. 10 meeting. Walsh said that council and city staff met with union members on multiple occasions, and the union had said that they wanted to see police officer positions prioritized over a new police station building if the city’s current budget could not support both.

“It is with their input in mind that city staff moved forward with developing a plan to fund additional officers now while delaying building the police station,” Walsh said. “City staff have worked hard to develop this plan even though we are already operating in a deficit and using our reserves (savings) to bridge the gap of our revenues not meeting our

expenses.”

Walsh said the funding plan that the union had previously told City Councilors and managers that they were in support of was not what the police union advocated for at the meeting.

Regarding the police station, Walsh said that the city was ready to break ground on the project before the location was appealed to the State’s Land Use Board of Appeals for floodplain concerns. Walsh said that the city council has directed staff to explore other location options for the police station because the LUBA process could take up to a year or longer.

“We are living in tumultuous times, and unfortunately, the police have opted towards smear tactics rather than working together through these complex and challenging issues,” Walsh said.

January 6 • Police arrested a 79-year-old male subject on disorderly conduct II, at the 700 block of Matzen Street.

• Officers took a report on a missing person at 150 South 13th Street.

Rainier Police Department January 4 • A resident called, reporting a violation of a no-contact order. A report was taken and forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

• A chihuahua was reportedly

Scappoose teen to star in Portland production SUBMITTED BY THE BRIDGETOWN CONSERVATORY OF MUSICAL THEATRE

Emma Degerness returns to Bridgetown’s Black Box to star in her second musical in downtown Portland! A Grand Night for Singing, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical revue features a cast of five: four adult professionals and Emma Degerness, a rising teen performer.

Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing as the first production of their 2024 roster of small musicals.

A Grand Night for Singing was nominated for the 1994 Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical, as well as the 1994 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revue. Conceived by Walter Bobbie, with arrangements by Fred Wells, the musical revue features some of the best-loved Broadway compositions of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

SCHOLL From Page A1 to the city’s ability to afford the programs and services our community desires,” Walsh said. “The city cannot spend more than the revenues received. This would be fiscally irresponsible.

The challenge will be to align available revenue with expenditures.”

Some of the ways Walsh said the city has supported the police over the last few years are: 1. Adding police officer positions and new detective and supervisor positions at the St. Helens Police Department 2. Approving raises for all police staff with our patrol officers now making the equivalent of Beaverton and Hillsboro’s pay

Regarding the questions related to E2C, Walsh noted

Courtesy photo from Bridgetown Conservatory of Musical Theatre

(Top row, left to right): Jennifer Davies, Emma Degerness. (Bottom row, left to right): Alexis Read, Amelia Segler, Jeremy Anderson-Sloan.

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Viewpoints

Local leaders put all the cards on the table BRANDON SCHILLING Chronicle & Chief Guest Column

Something I learned about conflicts growing up is that once your opponent resorts to name calling, they’ve revealed a weak spot or a clear lie in their defense. Basically, everyone becomes aware that an unshakeable truth has been illuminated.

Concerned citizens of Columbia County were blatantly disrespected by commissioners Garrett and Magruder at last week’s rail yard hearing, with Magruder comparing the opposition to uneducated children whose negative outlooks on life informed testimonies that, in Garrett’s opinion, were a “waste of time.” This is not leadership, but rather a dismissive attitude that is astonishing and insulting, when dozens of people testified against NEXT’s massive proposed rail yard. Many who spoke had studied the application and cited land use code. They know the project and live very close to the proposal. These folks have farms, businesses, and homes: they will breathe the diesel fumes, deal with the delays, and see their water and land polluted. Commissioners should be ashamed.

On the contrary, it could be said the real waste of time was wading through NEXT’s doled out scripts that had nothing to do with the “applicable criteria” of the hearing. NEXT’s opposition (who have outnumbered supporters at nearly every hearing, on the record) was there to talk about a rail yard.

NEXT was there to parrot yet-realized promises of green jobs and economy. This wasn’t the first time they’ve derailed a hearing with testimony, then being excused to their jobs and families, as if our jobs and families were just fine on hold while listening to “erroneous” testimony.

Elected officials and community leaders should welcome criticism and thoughtfully disprove it if incorrect, using facts, not emotions. To date, instead of remedy for our concerns, county staff and commissioners Magruder and Garrett gas-light and dismiss.

We’ve yet to experience a public process that actually arrives at the truth (save the Land Use Board of Appeals’ reversal), with follow up and accountability to final findings and remedies. This was exactly our criticism that provoked such an unfriendly response from commissioners Magruder and Garrett, Deborah Hazen, Betsy Johnson and the usual local economic promoters of heavy industry over existing local agricultural businesses. Speaking of gas-lighting, let’s unpack Deborah’s latest rebuttal.

Smears like: “baloney,” “hysteria,” “NIMBY,” and “paranoia,” clearly reactive and emotionally based, were slung

January 25 Scappoose Goodwill Job Connection Job Fair at Scappoose Library 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Job Connection is holding a Job Fair at the Scappoose Library, 52469 SE 2nd Street.

January 25 First Place for Health Orientation Meeting 6 p.m. at Warren Baptist Church, room 211. First Place for Health is an approach to health and wellness that considers healthy eating as well as balance emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. For questions, call Becky at 503-396-3041 or

at well-educated, expertly experienced citizens who have meticulously crafted concerns within the “applicable criteria.”

In reality, Deborah is the one pandering untruths.

The strangest and most inaccurate dig was “anti-jobactivists,” with a jab at the Clatskanie Food Hub and Farmers Market.

Did you know that the Clatskanie Farmers Market (CFM, which includes the Clatskanie Food Hub) is on track to achieve nearly $400,000 in direct to producer sales in 2024, 100% of which is going back into the pockets of locals. This past year CFM served and expanded over 80 agricultural enterprises, including the facilitation of five brand new businesses, and experienced $220,000 in producer sales, that’s 183% growth in one year. This is the project Deborah diminishes, yet has not patronized, all while preaching about the local economy. CFM’s offerings are more than competitively priced with big box stores (and sometimes lower) and are made further affordable through food assistance programs.

State agencies recognize the purchasing of food in the North Coast is a billion-dollar industry that is currently depending on 90% importation. That’s a lot of potential being shipped out of our region. Thus, dedicated customers are walking the talk and have the longterm vision to see how vital a functional local food system is to a prospering community and county.

These projects, only in their infant stages, are mere cornerstones of what is possible, and never claimed to be the endall-be-all for Columbia County.

If a small, local, citizen-led closet-of-a-grocery-store in little ol’ Clatskanie can experience such success, then each community in Columbia County could likely do the same.

Scappoose and St. Helens’ grocery sales alone could bring us into the millions annually not factoring shoppers coming in from bordering communities like Portland. It’s hard to extrapolate the snowball potential without feasibility studies (something leadership should encourage), but consider the entire food system of aggregation, distribution, valueadded processing, restaurants, schools, hospitals, and on. Billions, if we do it right. That’s a lot of quality, life-giving jobs that impact other issues like drug addiction, homelessness, chronic illness, mental health, food accessibility, and any other challenges that strain our community services and citizens. Additionally, this strategy aligns strongly with regional emergency preparedness strategies, so why are elected officials resisting?

Imagine further if these county leaders actually shopped at local food hubs or

put half as much energy into this existing enterprise with proven success and welldocumented potential, as they do into taunting and dismissing their neighbors while chasing imaginary money promised by questionable business people with poor track records.

Furthermore, if local leadership hadn’t allowed our thriving agricultural economy to deflate to 90% importation and thousands of acres of contaminated, abandoned hybrid tree farms surrounding Port Westward, (PW) we might not be having this conversation. Sorry, but calling PW and the surrounding area “swampland” while claiming it was only agriculturally focused for thirty years between diking and industry is about as far from reality as you could get. Just ask the indigenous peoples whose history and ongoing advocacy for the Estuary tell a beautiful story of working in harmony with the natural cycles and abundance of the lowlands.

Also ask the long list of settlers who nicknamed the area the “prairie” and took advantage of the rhythms of that same productivity. In actuality it was war and industry that were the short-lived interruptions to what was a vital landform for far more generations than the five generations of Hazens from the area.

Farmland is increasingly disappearing to industrial and urban destruction, with private and corporate land grabs gobbling up what’s left. Those who oppose NEXT also oppose DSL’s demand for 450 acres of wetland mitigation, with the most outspoken opponents being the farmers and homesteaders who live around Port Westward, some of whom manage the drainage system.

Why on Earth would we want human-made wetlands in a district designed (partially by Magruder’s father) to pump water out? Deborah’s comments regarding returning valuable, productive farmland to “swampland” echoes comments made by Magruder during the Clatskanie town hall meeting between surrounding PW landowners and NEXT regarding the proposed mitigation site. During that meeting Magruder explicitly stated “Well it was all swampland before the dikes went in, why does it matter if it is returned to swampland?” Ironically, Magruder was also part of an invite-only meeting with a conglomeration of Columbia County representatives on September 19, 2023 plotting to fund and file an appeal on the new FEMA regulations which would have pretty much ended industrial development in low-lying lands. We can only assume that Deborah’s opinions regarding wetlands match Magruder’s: displace farmers and turn farmland into wetlands, and then destroy wetlands to create more

Community Events

visit the website firstplaceforhealth.com.

February 1 First Place for Health Meeting 6 p.m. at Warren Baptist Church, room 211. First Place for Health is an approach to health and wellness that considers healthy eating as well as balance emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. For questions, call Becky at 503-396-3041 or visit the website firstplaceforhealth.com.

February 6 Job Connection Meet the

Employment Specialist 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Columbia Center in St. Helens.

February 9 Beyond The Forest events presents: give, live, laugh, love - A fundraiser for lifempowered 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 105 Port Ave., St. Helens. Enjoy dinner, drinks and comedy (ages 21+) featuring Todd Basil, Jaren George and Marietje Hauprich. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities please contact Cassie at cassief@lifemp.org or 971708-3767 or Hayley at beyondtheforestevents@gmail.com

heavy industry, air pollution, and water pollution in one of Columbia County’s prime farming areas recognized by the Oregon Agricultural Trust as a “top investment zone.”

Regardless, major safety concerns about NEXT’s proposed mitigation project could have severe impacts on the local drainage system. The people who manage the system say that both the rail yard and the mitigation will cause harm by ignoring ongoing structural concerns with the dikes.

Furthermore, DSL lacks the personnel, experience, scope, mandate and ability to review levees for structural integrity regarding the protection of industrial and agricultural developments. DSL is only authorized and funded to review wetlands, and in fact, if one were to read their website (as well as the DSL mitigation proposal for NEXT) they would clearly see that DSL prefers the levees to be removed completely as natural water flow is the only way to satisfactorily recreate wetlands.

Additionally, DSL admits that the proposed refinery site within the Beaver Drainage Improvement Company’s (BDIC) district is unlikely to succeed due to the artificially regulated water levels. In short, DSL is aware of the levee’s non-certification for protecting industry, and benefits from it.

Deborah understands the maintenance of the levees is undertaken by the BDIC, but does she know the impacts from industrial activities have already introduced serious, well-documented problems with the levees? Heavy traffic from multiple gas line installations and construction at Port Westward has substantially altered the levee profile to the point it has become non-certifiable. Additionally, construction of the much-touted “Hermo Road Mitigation Site” at Port Westward seriously undermined the levee and continues to endanger everyone. Attempts to resolve these issues with industry and the Port have been met with stonewalling, shifting blame and outright denial even in the face of overwhelming evidence from the BDIC and United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).

In spite of these challenges, the BDIC has spent years and tens of thousands of dollars attempting to resolve these issues and pave a path forward. Ironically, the greatest hindrances to the certification process are those it would benefit almost exclusively: Industry.

Even if the levee system were fit, the issue of compatibility remains, which NEXT is attempting to skirt using two different applications for their rail yard, applying for a “branch line” going across Primary Agriculture-80 separately from the over three miles of parallel tracks for rail car sorting. There are two

applications, but there is only one rail yard - a rail yard that was never part of the original industrial site proposal or permitting, thus has never been assessed for impacts. Nevertheless, county staff is encouraging minimal oversight under the guise of “prior approval.”

Separating these obviously connected tracks is like selling a house without a front door, or building a freeway without onramps. Additionally, cramming their railyard onto the industrial site breaks compliance with buffer zone rules, something county staff has yet to acknowledge.

One might wonder why over three miles of track is required. It’s because NEXT cannot proceed with the refinery without rail access to feedstocks. Gene Cotton, president of NEXT, is on the record discussing 100+ car unit trains, or “jumbo-manifest” if you prefer more comfortable semantics. Shockingly, NEXT’s application states a maximum of 311 rail cars to their facility per week, “excluding return cars”, which is a sneaky way of saying up to 622 rail cars per week. Look out South County, and heads up Rainier, your mayor spoke in favor of NEXT. This was one of the questions to answer at last week’s hearing, drawing a long pause from the applicant’s lawyers, on the record.

Further misleading information surrounding NEXT’s feedstock is the comparison of Memorandums Of Understanding to “agreements.”

MOU’s are not agreements.

Investors are blunt in clarifying they are not even agreements for agreements. Look for yourself at their most recent SEC filings. NEXT and their supporters have misled the public and county commissioners.

Here’s the truth: we don’t want virgin seed oil crops (questionably worse than fossil fuels depending on sourcing and practices), and we don’t want fossil fuels. We want wiser systems that demand less energy first and foremost, like local food systems and small scale agriculture for example. In general, quality over quantity. Otherwise we face Jeavon’s Paradox, humanity’s apparent inability to capitalize on efficiencies that could result in less consumption.

We also want to clean up our massively contaminated natural resources. PFAS, glyphosate, nanoplastics, and countless other toxic chemicals blanket our soils and waters.

Deborah believes in federal, state, and county agencies to uphold the law, but has she ever heard of “industry capture,” the revolving doors of industry and regulators at every level? If these agencies were so effective would our planet and its people be so polluted? Forestry aerial spraying, chemically-laden mill waste water dumping, and billow-

ing VOCs from riverbank industry (to only name a few) have deadened ecosystems, contaminated food and water, and ultimately wind up in the breast milk and tissues of humanity, on the record.

With such mighty regulatory agencies and “state of the art” medical systems, one might wonder why we and our planet are so sick these days.

NEXT is conveniently a hair’s width away from the highest level “Title 5 polluter,” a fine line to walk, and a real stretch to say “the potential emissions meet health risk standards for the community and do not require additional controls to be protective of public health.” NEXT’s air permit will allow it to emit 99 tons of emissions per year, just shy of the 100 tons that would require it to take additional measures to protect public health.

These are the harsh realities my generation is faced with in wrestling to raise the next generation. NEXT and their supporters would have you believe we are conspiracy touting heretics trying to crush their livelihoods and any hope for our county. That’s sad, because it’s quite the opposite.

On that note, I’m proud that our county is known for sending union workers all over the state of Oregon. That means we’re supporting our neighbors and our state economy in a very specialized way. This certainly supports local resilience as well. If that is not the lifestyle union workers want, perhaps due diligence was in order, or a conversation with their union recruiters about the truth. Honestly, it doesn’t seem like a sustainable business plan to think you could have an entire career of local construction in this day and age and in a rural and sprawling county.

Besides, whoever said a burgeoning local food system wouldn’t need construction unions?

On a final note, because the desire to be “clean energy leaders” seems pervasive and strong amongst this demographic: a true leader looks at the whole situation and understands it’s not about generating more energy, but rather using what we have more wisely.

That doesn’t mean returning to the stone age. It means capitalizing on efficiencies to decrease consumption once and for all.

For anyone, including Deborah, Betsy, Commissioners Magruder and Garrett, who might care for more meaningful conversation on any of these subjects, the door is always open with a hot cup of tea or coffee and a friendly welcome because that’s what building community is all about.

Brandon Schilling, a citizen of Columbia County, not affiliated with any organizations.

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Sharon Louise Gortler

Obituaries

June 3, 1949 ~ Dec. 30, 2023

Sharon Louise was the oldest of four girls born to Jack and Betty Zimmer on June 3, 1949. She passed away on Dec. 30, 2023. Clarice (Ray) Anderson, Leona Zimmer, and Jackie (Steve) Nichols would follow with John (Jennie) Zimmer coming much later.

Sharon graduated from Rainier Union High School in 1967. She would meet Dennis Gortler and they would marry in November 1968. They would welcome their first daughter Kimberlee (Jim) O’Brien in December 1970. Sharon enjoyed being pregnant with Kim at the same time as her mother Betty, who was pregnant with John. Sharon and Dennis would welcome their daughter Amy (Randy) Lewno in December 1971.

Sharon enjoyed traveling to Central Oregon and rock hounding with family.

She would also travel to Central Oregon for many hunting trips. She was a member of the St. Helens Women’s Bowling Association, Longview Women’s Bowling Association, the WIBC, Cowlitz Coin Club, and President of Wong’s

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The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Berry Patch Row Boss Association.

Sharon loved to crochet.

When she broke her hip and was in a rehabilitation facility, she set a goal for herself to crochet 100 stocking hats and donate them to the local schools for the children.

She surpassed that goal by over 200 hats.

Sharon has four very special grandchildren, Maggie (Edwin) Rullan, Dennis O’Brien, Rylee O’Brien and Gage Lewno. Sharon loved to spend time with her grandchildren, whether it be at sporting events or family functions. She also never missed an opportunity to let the umpires and referees know when they made a wrong call.

She also enjoyed going to Anderson Island and Neskowin with her siblings playing games and arguing over who was the better player. Another of her favorite pastimes was playing Bingo with all of her friends.

She will be dearly missed. If you would like to make a donation in her name please donate to Rainier HOPE or Eden Healthcare.

Loren Jack Maier

Nov. 18, 1940 ~ Jan. 1, 2024 Judy Irene Nys (Sramek) passed away on Jan. 1, 2024, at the age of 83, at her home in Apiary, Oregon surrounded by loving family. It was her wish to be at home, a place she loved with her garden, her flowers, and the annual mass of yellow daffodils covering the landscape.

She was born in Stratton, Nebraska on Nov. 18, 1940.

Her parents were Vincent and Irene Sramek who passed away a number of years ago in Rainier, Oregon.

She is survived by her husband Paul; our son Dwayne; daughters-in-law, Kim (Lucas) and Darla (Thurston); grandsons, Kyle, Nick, and Derek; granddaughters, Alayna (Myers) and Samantha (Schrader); nine great grandchildren; five sisters, Karen Smith (Charleston, SC), Gloria Johnson (Rainier, Oregon), Deanna Crouser (Bend, Oregon), Lila Wasser (Rochester, Washington) and Melissa Bledsoe (Rainier, Oregon); and brother-in-law Carl Nys (Longview, Washington).

Immediate family members who are deceased include our son Darrel (May 26, 2023) and her younger brother Brad Sramek.

In Judy’s junior year of high school, 1957, the family

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moved from Nebraska to Rainier. Judy graduated from Rainier Union High School in 1958. This Corn Husker must have made quite an impression on the native Columbians. Since she had most of her high school credits for graduation, she was named as an office assistant, and when the Home Economics teacher took a maternity leave, Judy was named as the substitute teacher.

She met her future husband Paul in a unique way.

He was at home looking at his brother’s assortment of senior pictures. One picture stood out to him. His mom, Swea, said, “I’ll give you a dime if you will call her.”

Well, there is no history of the wager being paid, but

Paul Nys and Judy Sramek were married on Aug. 18, 1960 in Longview, Washington.

Shortly after marriage, they moved to Corvallis, Oregon where they made their first home while Paul was attending Oregon State University. Their two sons, Darrel and Dwayne, were born and the family moved to Albany where Paul was hired as a teacher in the Albany School District. Judy became a homemaker and enjoyed every minute. She also was a part time librarian at a grade school and teachers assistant at a preschool in Albany.

Judy was an immaculate housekeeper, a great cook, and set high expectations for the boys as they were growing up. One of her breakfast specialties were Swedish hotcakes, covered with ripe strawberries and ice cream.

Judy enjoyed family vacations routinely in the Cascades east of Albany, at Lemolo Lake in Central Oregon, and on the Oregon Coast.

Several summers included multiple week tent camping trips to an isolated camp site at Lemolo Lake. Later, the summers were filled with cross country driving trips in a small eight-foot camper to visit family in Denver,

Colorado and Charleston, South Carolina. Other trips for clamming, fishing the Columbia, and crabbing to Fort Stevens State Park, were common.

After they retired and the boys graduated from college, Judy and Paul settled in the Apiary area, near Rainier, Oregon, to manage the Nys Family Tree Farm. They took several international forestry tours to New Zealand, Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

Judy was the treasurer for the Columbia County Small Woodlands Association (OSWA) for over 15 years and always helped with their annual tree sale. She was also an active member of the Fern Hill Grange for several years.

Judy always marveled how much she enjoyed the country lifestyle in rural Apiary, where she appreciated the wildlife, green trees, and natural beauty day in and day out.

Judy respectfully has requested that no services be scheduled. She will be interned in a family plot in the Apiary Cemetery at some point.

Any donations may be made to the Rainier Oregon Historical Museum at PO Box 762, Rainier, OR 97048.

Neva Delberta Crist

Jan. 24, 1952 ~ Nov. 26, 2023 Loren Jack Maier, 71, passed away Nov. 26, 2023 at home in St. Helens, Oregon.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2024 at the St. Helens Elks Lodge.

Judy Irene Nys

Nov. 22, 1948 ~ Dec. 5, 2023 Neva Delberta Crist was born to Delbert Arthur Olsen and Evelyn Florence Rowles on Nov. 22, 1948, in Dallas, Oregon. She married James Earl Crist Feb. 8, 1975, and they had three children together.

Neva loved to fish and crochet. She loved the snow.

She was a troop leader in the girl scouts. She was a lifetime member of the St.

Helen’s Moose Lodge. She loved poker and pinochle.

Neva donated her time to the Scappoose Senior Center, helping in the kitchen.

She loved putting together picture puzzles.

Neva passed on Dec. 5, 2023, at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, at the age of 75. She is survived by her brother George (wife Sharon); her three children:

daughters, Evelyn Crist and Brenda Lane (husband Michael), and her son, James Crist (wife Donna); her five grandchildren; and her two great-grandchildren.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2024 at the St. Helens Moose Lodge.

Guests are encouraged to bring dishes for a potluck to follow.

Ross Alan Williams

Feb. 16, 1937 ~ Dec. 18, 2023 Ross Alan Williams, 86, of St. Helens, passed away Dec. 18, 2023 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, with his wife, daughter and sonin-law at his side.

Ross was born in Toronto, Canada, Feb. 16, 1937. After earning a PhD in nuclear physics from the University of Toronto, he moved to California in 1963. He worked as an engineer at Rockwell until 1999. He designed the

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and served on key committees. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and loved to read.

Survivors are his wife Susan Wellington and her son Lee; siblings, Peter, Susan and Chris; former wife Gillian Crucher; and their daughter Sian and son-inlaw John Donovan.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 20, 2024 at Christ Episcopal Church, 35350 E. Division Road.

Elsie (Sundquist) Wilson

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family home in Tehachapi, California, where he and his wife Susan lived for 10 years. They moved to a farm near St. Helens to be near children and grandchildren.

Ross and Susan built a canoe to paddle on Scappoose Bay, and Ross delighted in walking grandkids through the woods.

Ross was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he was the assistant treasurer, sang in the choir

July 13, 1940 ~ Jan. 8, 2024

Elsie (Sundquist) Wilson, 83, of Deer Island passed away Jan. 8, 2024.

Elsie was born July 13, 1940, in Bismarck, North Dakota. She grew up on her parents farm between Wilton and Regan with her sister Ann. She graduated Wilton high school in 1957 as valedictorian. She went on to get her teaching certificate and then became a teacher. In March of 1960, she married Leonard Wilson from Wing, North Dakota. Later that year they started their own family.

Throughout the 60’s they completed their family with four children. Elsie stopped teaching and focused on rais-

ing their four children. The family lived in several states, traveling for Leonard’s work and, finally calling Oregon home in 1974. With new roots put down they started growing. Leonard and Elsie owned a small country store/ gas station in Deer Island which was a blessing to many in the community.

Elsie loved the people that were so friendly. In the early 80’s they ended their time at the store, after which Elsie became a bookkeeper for Clark Signs. She enjoyed her time at Clark Signs and worked there until her retirement in 2006.

Through the years Elsie

enjoyed many things to occupy her time. She was an excellent cook (but would never admit it). She enjoyed sewing, knitting, quilting, and most of all her family. She excelled at being a spectacular mother. She was famous for sending cards to many people on all occasions. Elsie is also known for her huge heart, gentle ways, and kindness towards all.

Elsie is survived by her sister Ann (Rodney) Peterson; three children, Sherry Paladeni, Julie (Steve) Decious, and Dale (Carla) Wilson; three grandchildren, Jeremy (Christal) Wilson, Brianna Decious, and Ro-

chelle Decious; and numerous step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends that loved her.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son; son in-law; and many other loved ones.

Services to be held at 1 p.m. on Jan. 18, 2024 at Columbia Funeral Home in St. Helens, Oregon. There will be a separate service at a later date in North Dakota.

There will be no visitation or burial services.

In lieu of flowers the family requests you make a donation to your favorite charity.

Rena J. Davis

Dec. 29, 1947 ~ Jan. 5, 2024 Rena (Cranmer) Davis, a longtime resident of St. Helens, passed away on Jan. 5, 2024 at the age of 76. She was born Dec. 29, 1947, to Max and Alma Cranmer, in Washington state. She grew up and attended school in Milwaukee, Oregon.

At a young age Rena had a gift of healing. There are many stories of stray and sick animals that followed her home to be treated, cured and loved. She believed that until one has loved an animal a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.

Rena found her love in biochemistry and earned her

Masters Degree. She worked for Tektronix in Beaverton and several property management companies in the 70’s and 80’s. Rena es-

tablished Davis Nutritional Products in the 1990’s which later became Total Healing.

Working as a Clinical Nutritionist would be her true calling. She was a master herbalist and clients would seek her expertise from all around the world.

She dedicated her life to her clients and to bring healing into their lives. Her desire to make the world a better and more beautiful place each day was evident through her exquisite gardens she attended and her yearning to bring healing to all. She loved to read, study biochemistry, research papers

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and was deeply moved by music.

Rena is survived by her significant other Paul Kalinsky; son Rhys Davis; brother Bill Wright (Mary Lou); sister Elva Mills (Lynn); as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Linnea Anderson (Larry) and Florie Cox. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Columbia Humane Society in her name.

Rena’s ashes will be scattered under her favorite oak tree.

Classifieds

A6

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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DAVIS

From Page A1 drone footage they took. Jennings and Davis’ roommate, Jimmy, decided to go out and search one of the areas they had already passed over, and they found Davis’ wallet.

The wallet was atop a steep hill covered in bushes and growth. They noticed that the area next to the wallet in the shrubs seemed to have been disrupted.

“We hiked this ravine, 75 yards in, and he was down there. We saw him down in this ravine, trapped, in all these bushes. We had to cut ourselves up to even get to him,” Jennings said. “It’s a hill that goes down, it’s a bunch of fallen trees and blackberry bushes, and then another drop into this creek.”

When they found him, they were convinced he was dead. Travis McCartney found him at the bottom of the ravine. “[ McCartney] yelled, ‘I found him, he’s here!’ He said, ‘He’s dead.’ He said it four times. When we found him, we thought for sure he was dead. He was bloated and swollen,” Jennings said.

“When we got to him, and went to touch him, [ McCartney] said, ‘Hey Rhys!’ and he touched him, and Rhys breathed in, and [ McCartney said, ‘He’s alive!”

Davis had been in the ravine, in a creek, exposed to the elements for almost six days. On Oct. 22, six days

after he went missing, Davis was en route to the hospital.

When they found him, he was breathing but unresponsive and in a coma. They immediately called 911 to get help.

McCartney began performing CPR on Davis until help could arrive. Jennings and his fellow searchers helped first responders get him out of the creek and up the hill.

“As they’re pulling him up and we’re getting him up, they keep telling us we need to understand that our friend isn’t going to make it to the hospital,” Jennings said. “I’m like, ‘You need to understand he’s been there six days, he’s been fighting this whole time.”

In the hospital Davis was rushed to the hospital but had no brain activity and was in a coma.

Davis was housed in the ICU upon arrival. According to Jennings, doctors and nurses said that he would never walk or talk again. Jennings was there at the hospital with Rena Davis to support her through the ordeal.

Though hospital staff said he would never recover, Jennings refused to give up on his friend. Despite his hope, Jennings and Rena Davis began to consider “end-of-life treatment” as an option.

“It was about five or six or seven days in a coma with no brain activity. It was right before Halloween. Nothing was changing; he had no brain activity, his body health was

decreasing, and he had double sepsis, two different infections in his blood. Plus, he had a hole in his lung, which he ended up getting an infection in along the way,” Jennings said.

They began to allow a select group of visitors to see Davis as they prepared for the possibility of him not pulling through the coma. They were planning on having friends and family come see him to offer their final support to him.

“Everyone comes and visits him, and as people are visiting him, he starts making movements. Even to the point where they were going to do an MRI one day, and he reached out and grabbed the nurses arm, and opened his eyes and looked right at the nurse, and then went back out,” Jennings said.

The doctors referred to these movements and actions as “myopic jerks.” These are movements that are reflexive but are not indicative of true consciousness. Multiple friends reported seeing these same movements. The doctors were still convinced that he would not recover. However, they could not offer definitive answers because of the uniqueness of the case.

“They told us they didn’t have the answers because this isn’t normal. A ‘unique case’ is what they kept calling it.

They said they’d never seen this. There’s no way a guy could be dead in a hill for six days; they said within 13 hours he would have been in rapid decomposition, and he

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wouldn’t have survived the next night,” Jennings said.

“They said we got lucky finding him that night, and the next day he would have been gone.”

The day before Jennings and Rena were planning on disconnecting Davis from life support systems, Davis began showing signs of recognizing commands.

“They pulled the tube out after these commands and stuff had been happening. We said, ‘Pull the tube out and let’s see what happens.’ They do. Right out the gate he asks where his mom, me, and everyone’s at,” Jennings said.

When Jennings got the call that he woke up, he asked to speak to Rhys, and just a few seconds later, he was speaking to his friend for the first time since he went missing two and a half weeks before. Davis went missing on Oct. 16 and woke up in the hospital on Nov. 1.

Hearing from Rhys “All of a sudden, the doctor calls my mom and says, ‘This falls under the category of miraculous; something you see once in a lifetime,’” Rhys Davis said.

Call it coincidence, or perhaps fate intervening, but the day Davis woke up was Nov. 1, which is the birthday of his late father. When Davis went missing, he weighed 205 pounds; he currently weighs 146. Davis had Rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare muscle injury where your muscles break down.

“My thighs are smaller than my forearm. That’s what my body was living off of, my legs because I was hunched over,” Davis said. “ It’s called Rhabdomyolysis, and it’s basically muscle death. Your body eating this muscle.”

Doctors said that with the trauma he endured, he may never walk again. Now, months after the ordeal, Davis is already walking with the help of a walker. Davis has been undergoing intensive physical therapy to help regenerate muscle strength and improve his motor functions.

Davis said he’s been improving week after week.

Throughout the entire experience, Davis said he can’t help but marvel at the lengths his best friend James Jennings went to ensure that he was found and safe.

“It’s just crazy to me that my friend took all this time off and came out and saved me,” Davis said. “He’s a hero.

This guy went above and beyond. It’s rare to find that caliber of a friend.”

Coming away from the experience, Davis said he’s coming to still coming to grips with his near-death experience. Davis described it as “surreal.”

“It’s a lot at once. I realize it now. I feel like I’ve used up all the good luck that I possibly could have. My guardian angel’s working overtime for that one for sure,” Davis said. “I feel so fortunate that he was in there hammering it out. I would still be down there, but this guy seriously followed his gut feeling and

knew it was the right thing to do.”

Jennings put his life on hold to ensure the well-being of his friend. But for Jennings, every sacrifice he made was worth it. Getting to reunite Davis with his mother and seeing him through to his return to consciousness is truly worthwhile.

“I keep holding on to the fact of what happened and what it ended up being. I’m so grateful and thankful to the world for letting this happen and giving me the chance to help bring someone back to their mom, to bring a son home,” Jennings said. “It’s not about me, though; it’s about him. It all still comes to him. He fought down there for six days; he fought in the hospital; he fought for his own life. I was just there to help bring him back. He saved himself in a sense.”

Sadly, Rena Davis passed away from cancer early this January, but this journey allowed Rhys to spend these final precious months by his mother’s side.

Jennings said during the search, he felt that Davis’ spirit was somehow drawing him to the spot where they found him. And through one way or another, they found him and brought him back.

In the end, Jennings said the experience taught him never to give up hope. The feeling when they found and pulled Davis out of the ravine?

“It was one of the greatest feelings in the world,” Jennings said. “Don’t give up hope; that’s all I can say.”

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

A7

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Public Notices PROTECTING YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW CC24-1014

CC24-1011

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of JOACHIM WOLF-PRIESSNITZ, Deceased. Case No. 23PB10806 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been commenced.

Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below.

Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four months after the date

of the first publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published on: January

17, 2024. Judith D. Litwin, Personal Representative, 31522 Siericks Road, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 543-3407. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618, LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 543-4800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@lowercolumbialaw. com.

COLUMBIA PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of BARBARA JEAN ADEBAER, Deceased. Case No. 23PB10571 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that David G. Ade has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of Barbara Jean Ade-Baer. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached to the Personal Representative

at: PO Box 12814, Salem OR 97309, within four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice, 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 from the Attorney for the Personal Representative. Dated and

first published: January 10, 2024. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: David G. Ade, 69746 Marcott Road, Rainier, OR 97048. ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Andrew W. Sprauer, OSB No. 081245, Andrew Sprauer Law, PO Box 12814; Salem, OR 97309, Telephone: (503) 910-2050, Email: andrew@ awslawyer.com.

CC24-1018

CC24-1015

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Rainier City Council architectural regulations to the proposed amendment OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA willThe hold a public hearing guide the accessory dwelling and supporting materials are Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of NEVA DELBERTA CRIST, Deceased. Case No. 24PB00101 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS Proceedings for this estate have been commenced.

Claims against the estate may be presented to the personal representative listed below. Any person who has a claim against the estate must present the claim to the personal representative not later than four months after

the date of the publication of this notice at the following address: 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, OR 97056. Any claim not presented within this time period may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the estate proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative.

Dated and published on:

January 17, 2024. James D. Crist, Personal Representative, 33031 NW Laurel Street, Scappoose, OR 97056, Phone: (503) 9871566. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618 LOWER COLUMBIA LAW GROUP LLC, 52490 Southeast Second Street, Suite 100, Scappoose, Oregon 97056, Phone: (503) 5434800, Fax: (888) 543-4806, Email: aaron@lowercolumbialaw.com.

on February 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM to consider amending Rainier Municipal Code (RMC) Title 18, Zoning Division V regarding accessory dwelling units, amending RMC section 18.05.100, chapters 18.15, 18.20 and 18.25, and repealing RMC Section 18.25.100, to allow accessory dwelling units in the Suburban Residential, Low Density Residential and Medium Density Residential zoning districts with

placement or construction.

The hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 106 W B Street.

The proposed amendment will be reviewed as required against the applicable provisions of the Rainier Comprehensive Plan and applicable statewide planning goals and/or administrative rules as adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission. Draft Ordinance 1095 affecting

available at City Hall. The staff report to the planning commission will be available for review by January 29, 2024. Contact Sarah Blodgett at 503.556.7301 or visit city hall during regular business hours for more information.

All interested persons are invited to submit written comments and/or attend the hearing and present testimony. Only those who make an appearance of record shall be entitled to appeal.

CC24-1004

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF BEVERLY J. GILMORE-BRINSTER; MARAINE PALMER; ANTHONY BRINSTER; DREW BRINSTER; EVIN BRINSTER; PARTIES IN POSSESSION Defendants.

No. 23CV35977 CIVIL SUMMONS TO THE DEFENDANTS: Unknown Heirs and Devisees of Beverly J. Gilmore-Brinster NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY! A lawsuit has

been started against you in the above-entitled Court by PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, Plaintiff. Plaintiff’s claim is stated in the written Complaint, a copy of which is on file at the Columbia County Courthouse. You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer.” The “motion” or “answer” must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days along with the required filing fee.

It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the plaintiff. The object of the complaint is to foreclose a deed of trust dated March 13, 2020 and recorded as Instrument No. 2020-02422 given by Beverly J. GilmoreBrinster, a single woman on property commonly known as 2558 Columbia Blvd, Saint Helens, OR 97051 and legally described as: PARCEL 1 OF PARTITION PLAT NO. 1999-22,

RECORDED JUNE 30, 1999, FEE NO. 99-09300, IN COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON. TOGETHER WITH A NON-EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS OVER PARCEL 2 AS DISCLOSED ON THE FACE OF PARTITION PLAT NO. 1999-22. The complaint seeks to foreclose and terminate all interest of Unknown Heirs and Devisees of Beverly J. Gilmore-Brinster and all other interests in the property. The “motion” or “answer” (or “reply”) must

be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days of the date of first publication specified herein along with the required filing fee.

The date of first publication of the summons is January 10, 2024. If you are in the active military service of the United States, or believe that you may be entitled to protection of the SCRA, please contact our office. If you do not contact us, we will report to the court that we do not believe that you are protected under the SCRA. If you have questions, you should

CC24-1005

see an attorney immediately.

If you need help in finding an attorney, you may contact the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service online at www.oregonstatebar.org or by calling (503) 684-3763 (in the Portland metropolitan area) or toll-free elsewhere in Oregon at (800) 4527636. Attorneys for Plaintiff, LOGS LEGAL GROUP LLP By: James A. Craft #090146 [jcraft@janewaylaw.com] 1499 SE Tech Center Place, Suite 255, Vancouver, WA 98683 (360) 260-2253; Fax (360) 260-2285.

CC24-1016

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON NOTICE FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA [Probate Department] OF PUBLIC In the Matter of the Estate of: GERALD WAYNE WALKLEY, Deceased. Date of Death: September 11, 2023. Case No. 23PB09766 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the

above-captioned estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at Southwest Portland Law Group, LLC, 8455 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, Oregon 97225 within four (4)

months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims will 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 Southwest Portland Law Group, LLC, the lawyers

for the personal representative. DATED AND FIRST PUBLISHED ON January 10, 2024. Yvonne W. Chambers, Personal Representative.

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Yvonne W. Chambers, 954 SW Westwood Drive, Portland, Oregon 97239, Tel: 503-515-9071, yovogo@

gmail.com. ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Lindsey Daniel, OSB No. 192115, Southwest Portland Law Group, LLC, 8455 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, Oregon 97225, Tel: 503-206-6401, Fax: 503214-8962, lindsey@swpdxlaw. com.

LIEN SALE Public Lien Sale Rainier Mini Storage LLC, 323 W B St., Rainier, OR unit #39 Sharon Stewart, #69 Dacian Neubauer at 1 pm on 2-3-24 @at Rainier Mini Storage LLC onsite public auction cash in hand bid.

CC24-1019

PUBLIC NOTICE COLUMBIA RIVER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT Regular Meeting Date Change The date for the January 16, 2024 Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD has been changed due to extreme

weather. The Board of Directors for Columbia River PUD will hold their Regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.. This meeting is accessible to per-

sons with disabilities. A request for further accommodations should be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting the Administrative Assistant at 503-397-1844. Columbia River

PUD Board meetings are conducted pursuant to the public meeting laws of the State of Oregon and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Please visit our website at https://www.

crpud.net/my-pud/board-ofdirectors/board-meetings/ for more information on attending this meeting electronically. If you wish to submit a written public comment for the Board

to review during the meeting, please submit it to comments@ crpud.org prior to 5:00pm on the day of the Meeting. By: Michael J. Sykes, General Manager

CC24-1017

TS No. OR14000001-22-2 APN 435142 TO No 2902849 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, TONI ORNIE AND JEFFREY J TSCHIDA, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY as Grantor to WFG NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC (“MERS”), as designated nominee for COLUMBIA STATE BANK, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of October 31, 2017 and recorded on October 31, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-010200 and the beneficial interest was assigned to FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION and recorded March 1, 2022 as Instrument Number 202201892 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Columbia County, Oregon

to-wit: APN: 435142 LOT 9, BLOCK 3, COREY ADDITION, IN THE CITY OF VERNONIA, COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON Commonly known as: 914 6TH AVE, VERNONIA, OR 97064 Both the Beneficiary, FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, 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 86.752(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 05/01/2023 to 01/15/2024 at $1,514.25 Monthly Late Charge(s): $184.24 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 $224,578.22 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.62500% per annum from April 1, 2023 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 May 28, 2024 at the hour of 01:00 PM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Front Entrance, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 County of Columbia, sell at

public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee.

Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 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: January 4,2024 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Order Number 99172, Pub Dates: 1/17/2024, 1/24/2024, 1/31/2024, 2/7/2024, THE COLUMBIA COUNTY CHRONICLE & CHIEF

Columbia County’s trusted local news source

A8

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Games and Puzzles Solution for the Jan. 10, 2024 crossword puzzle

LIBRARY From Page A1

which is the only one that doesn’t cost us anything, the rest we had to pay for,” Hirning said. “It includes two adults, your kids, or grandkids, it doesn’t matter how many. And it’s completely all-inclusive.”

The pass gives access to the tour of the Lightship Columbia, and entry to the 3D movies, which usually are an additional cost to museum entry.

Hirning also expressed gratitude to the Clatskanie Arts Commission for donating two free tickets to each of the performances in the performing arts series. Hirning said those passes have also been very popular.

While some of the passes enable free entry, others allow for discounted rates. Each museum has its own terms for what the pass enables the

users to do. The driving force behind the passes is to remove potential financial barriers to having these experiences.

“It’s all about reducing those barriers. That’s why when I would call the museums and the different places we were looking for, it was so gratifying, because they have the same mission that we have here at the library. Reducing barriers, having them be open to anybody to having this experience,” Hirning said.

The program is especially helpful for parents with large families who may not otherwise be able to pay for admission to these institutions. With these passes being part of the public library, they are bringing people to the library for things other than books.

“I want everybody to have something here that they will use. And if it’s not books, because not everybody is a reader, and we totally understand that, we want you to have something that you can benefit from,” Hirning

Answers

said. “These passes are totally bringing us a whole bunch of people who were like, ‘Wow, I didn’t think the library had anything to offer us.”

Checking a pass-out To access a pass, interested parties can call the library or reserve a pass online.

Those passes are held for five days and can be picked up from the desk. Reserving passes allows for people to plan trips around the passes, and avoids double booking the passes. After picking up the passes, people have seven days to use it.

“It just checks out like a regular book. You just come in. Other times, people have just come in and said, ‘Hey, we want to go on a trip today; what do you have available?’

And then they go through our little book,” Hirning said.

In addition to the available opportunities on the website, Hirning also said she is open to community input on secur-

ing partnerships with other cultural institutions that aren’t already on their list.

Since starting the program, Hirning said that they have always had at least “one or two” passes checked out each week. Some of the highlights since starting the program for Hirning has been the positive response from the community.

A maximum of two (2) Cultural Passes may be placed on hold and or checked out at a time. Borrowers must have an Adult card in good standing to check out a Cultural Pass.

“Every person who comes in tells us how awesome the experience was,” Hirning said. Hearing from folks that they’re getting to do fun things that they wouldn’t necessarily get to do has been awesome.”

Hirning encouraged the community to support the program, because the success of the program this year will dictate how many funds the library can put towards it in the future.

Wednesday January 17

7 DAY FORECAST The sun this week

A9

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

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CMHS honors athletes at induction ceremony

Courtesy photos from Laurey White

Bryan Davis (second from right) with his family.

LAUREY WHITE Chronicle & Chief Guest Article

Clatskanie Middle/High School (CMHS) added four alumni athletes to their Hall of Fame roster. The ceremony, held on Jan. 6, was attended by many residents willing to brave the blustery weather outside to view the induction held in the school gym.

The host of the event was Ryan Tompkins, CMHS Athletic Director. He is also on the Hall of Fame selection committee. Athletes must meet a criterion in their sport (s). Other eligible persons are coaches and community members who have made contributions to the school, the community, and athletic programs.

Bob Wiggins.

Savannah Mooney with her proud family.

Scott Hodges (holding award) surrounded by his players.

Kevin Donaldson (holding award) with family.

Hodges returned to Clatskanie and is now raising his three boys, Kash, Timber and Bodie, with his wife Katie.

He coaches his son’s teams, as was evident when he was inducted, the players came to support him. Known as everyone’s favorite coach, the boys are pleased he is going to continue to coach them until they reach middle school.

He sees a lot of hunting and fishing in his future and wants to travel more with his family.

Mooney loved her years at CMHS and especially enjoyed her years playing sports and the young women who were her teammates.

Some of the teammates went on to have children who are now playing sports with her daughter.

He was recently inducted into the Oregon High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, due to his many years as an assistant baseball coach at CMHS. He plans to retire in four years from the GeorgiaPacific Paper mill. This will give him more time to enjoy his family and continue his coaching.

Bob Wiggins Clatskanie resident Bob Wiggins, whose sons Ian and Gabe were coached by Davis, spoke of how Davis left such a lasting impression on those he coached and their parents.

“Bryan was wonderful at imparting his knowledge,” said Wiggins. “He got his point across but never raised his voice. A great coach.”

Bryan Davis

Scott Hodges

Bryan Davis, one of the four inductees, is well-known to many in Clatskanie. He has long been an admirable volunteer, in addition to his athletic prowess. Graduating in 1984, Bryan excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball. He holds the honor of being the first baseball player to hit a home run on Lester Wallace Field.

He has been a volunteer coach at CMHS for 31 years.

For 20 years, he served as assistant football coach, during which time 13 of the teams made it to the state playoffs.

Inductee Scott Hodges graduated from CMHS in 2007. He played basketball and was a four-year lettered athlete. His senior year, Hodges was named the Lewis and Clark League Player of the Year and was First Team All-League. He was named to the 1st Team All-State 3A Oregon team, and the Longview Daily News First Team All-Area.

He became Clatskanie’s all-time leading scorer, a position he still holds today. After living and working in Yakima, Washington for several years,

Savannah White Mooney “I had a great time, and it was a real honor to be inducted into the CMHS Hall of Fame,” said Savannah

White Mooney, speaking of her induction.

“The best part was I was able to see past teammates that I had not seen in 20 years.”

Mooney was a 2005 graduate of CMHS in 2005.

She was a nine-time varsity letter recipient in volleyball, basketball and softball. During her junior year, Savannah’s softball team made the state semi-finals. She received First Team All-League softball honors and was selected to play in the 2A All–State East/West softball game.

She played some volleyball and softball in college and now works as a registered dental assistant. She is married to Chris Mooney and has two children.

Kevin Donaldson The fourth athlete inducted was Kevin Donaldson, who graduated in 2006 from CMHS. Donaldson played four years of football, and in his sophomore year, he was named 2nd team all-league. In his junior year, he was firstteam all-league and named to the Daily News All-Area Football 1st Team Offense.

Senior year he was named

1st Team All-League Defensive Line and was voted the most Outstanding Lineman.

After graduation, he attended Lower Columbia College and received his Associates Degree in Applied Science, with a major in welding. After working in North Dakota for several years, he returned to Clatskanie.

Donaldson is married, and he and his wife are the proud parents of four wonderful children. Donaldson looks forward to furthering his career and watching as his children grow up.

After the induction, the Girls Varsity Basketball game commenced, followed by a no-host social at Colvin’s.

Crossword Puzzle STATEPOINT CROSSWORD THEME: THE GRAMMYS ACROSS

1. Moonshine maker 6. *Artist with most 2024 Grammy nominations 9. Not his 13. “Roots” author 14. That guy 15. Full of emotion (2 words) 16. Relating to #3 Down 17. Tarzan’s mom, e.g.

18. Caribbean island destination 19. *The Recording ____, voting organization 21. *”What Was I Made For?” movie 23. *”A Boy Named ____,” 1970 Grammy winner 24. Prickle on a wire 25. Drench 28. Waiter’s handout 30. *Grammy-nominated Lauper song, “True ____” 35. Amusement destination 37. Rachel Renee Russell’s “____ Diaries” 39. Extend subscription 40. South Korean boy band 41. Type of wrap 43. Italian wine region 44. Forearm length unit 46. Honey-producing facility 47. Saw incision

48. Nauseant 50. Fancy marbles used as shooters 52. U.S. Marine Corps gift recipient 53. EU currency 55. Aglet on a shoelace, e.g.

57. *____.com Arena 60. *Miley Cyrus’ Song of the Year nominee and popular romantic gift 64. Texas cook-off dish 65. *”In the ____ Tonight,” by Grammy-winner Phil Collins 67. Send, as payment 68. Safe place 69. Bird word 70. Leave out 71. Bookkeeping entry 72. Refrigerator sound 73. Scatter

DOWN

1. Not Sunni 2. Baby powder ingredient 3. Pelvic parts 4. Shows the way 5. Aristotle’s school 6. One-horse carriage 7. Mailing “code” 8. Single-cell protozoan 9. *Grammy-winner, ____ Alpert 10. *Purse for the red carpet 11. Bumpkin

12. Pampering place 15. Bar ____, ME 20. Rewards, in the olden days 22. Pendulum’s path 24. Cantina staple 25. *Ice ____, Best New Artist nominee 26. Wooden ship caulking 27. Space exploration mission 29. *Grammy host for the fourth time 31. Plumbing problem 32. Early stages of illness 33. Reminiscent of the past 34. *”Anti-Hero” performer 36. Not purl 38. Pacific Islanders’ herbal drink 42. Handrail post 45. Neckwear decoration 49. Use scissors 51. Soft palate vibrations 54. House pest 56. Resided 57. Social media conversation 58. Bank of Paris 59. Big Bang’s original matter 60. Word on a gift tag 61. Arabian bigwig 62. Fair attraction 63. Hot pot 64. Denoted by symbol X 66. Debtor’s letters

Solution to crossword in next week’s issue of the newspaper.

A10

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

2024 Financial Planning, Investing, and Tax Tips Taking these simple steps now can ease tax-filing stress when Oregonians claim their kicker dividends, distributions from a pension, annuity, retirement plan, or other nonemployee compensation • Forms 1099-K, 1099MISC, 1099-NEC, or other income statement if you worked in the gig economy

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Now that the excitement of the gift-giving season has come to a close, many Oregonians’ thoughts will turn to the anticipation of something even bigger— claiming their share of the state’s all-time record $5.6 billion kicker tax credit.

The good news is anyone who filed a 2022 Oregon income tax return is all set to claim their kicker on their 2023 return next year. The not so good news? Filing taxes often creates anxiety, worry, and stress.

For those who dread tax season every year, the Oregon Department of Revenue says there’s no reason to let tax season make you sweat. Taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing your 2023 tax return easier in 2024—and lower your heart rate in the process.

“Most people don’t want to think about their taxes until it’s time to fill out their returns,” said Revenue’s Megan Denison.

“But doing a few simple things in the weeks before tax season can make filling out your return and filing on time less stressful.”

The first thing taxpayers should do if they hope to claim their share of the kicker next year is to make sure they have filed a 2022 return. The department received more than 2.2 million 2022 tax returns so most taxpayers have done that, but for those who haven’t, filing a 2022 tax return should be their first priority.

Electronic filing is closed until late January so taxpayers who still need to file a 2022 return will need to either download and use a paper form or wait until

Use a bank account to speed tax refunds with direct deposit File electronically, choose direct deposit and you will get a refund faster.

Information is available at this IRS website.

Metro Creative Connection

electronic filing is open again.

“Until taxpayers file their 2022 return, the department can’t calculate their kicker. So make sure you file your 2022 return before you file your 2023 return claiming your kicker,” Denison said.

Next, she said, following the suggestions below will make filing a tax year 2023 return in 2024 simpler and less stressful.

the state’s online tax portal.

While there, taxpayers can use the “What’s My Kicker” calculator, view their 1099-G (available

by January 31, 2024), and verify any estimated tax payments they’ve made.

Taxpayers should choose a tax return preparer wisely. This is important because taxpayers are re-

Gather and organize your tax records

View your account information online

Organized tax records make preparing a complete and accurate tax return easier and help avoid errors. Wait to file until you have all your tax records including:

Taxpayers can make sure their information is current at Revenue Online,

• Forms W-2 from your employer(s) • Forms 1099 from

2123 8th Avenue Longview, WA 98632

ACCOUNTING • PAYROLL • TAXES Phone: 360-425-4086 Mobile: 360-241-5968 Fax: 360-425-3792

JOHN MANZER

banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation,

Choose a reputable tax return preparer

sponsible for all the information on their return, no matter who prepares it for them. The Oregon Board of Tax Practitioners offers a Licensee Lookup website.

The IRS has a website with information.

Denison also pointed out that free help filing a return is available for those who need it.

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@ oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 tollfree from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speechimpaired), we accept all relay calls.

john_manzer@msn.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

How can business owners plan for an exit?

If you’re a business owner, you always have a lot to do and a lot to think about. But have you put much thought into how you’ll eventually leave it all behind?

Even if you’re a few years away from that day, it’s a good idea to create an exit strategy. If you’re like most other owners, most of your net worth may well be tied up in your business — so how you exit that business can have a big impact on your finances and your retirement.

As you begin the exit strategy process, you’ll need to examine some basic questions, such as how much you want for your business and how much it’s worth.

But you’ll especially need to plan for the mechanics of your exit — that is, just how you’re going to sell or transfer ownership of it.

Essentially, you have three main options: Internal sale or transfer You could sell or transfer your business to someone affiliated with the company, such as a family member, business partner or even a group of employees. The advantages of this method are that you’ll have greater

control over the timing of your exit, and you’ll be able to provide greater continuity for your employees, clients and suppliers. One potential disadvantage is that your net sales proceeds may be less than what you’d get from selling the business to an unrelated third party.

External sale or transfer The biggest benefit of selling or transferring your business to an unrelated third party is that you can potentially maximize your net sales proceeds. But you’ll need to consider some tradeoffs, too. For one thing, a sale to an outside person or business usually requires a long and possibly expensive due diligence process. Also, you’ll have less control over the timing of your exit than you would if you sold the business to an internal source.

Liquidation If you liquidated your business by selling all your assets and shutting down operations, you could end up with far fewer net proceeds than if you sold the business to an internal or external source. However, you could raise cash pretty quickly.

But if you chose to liquidate or dissolve your business, it could potentially be disruptive for your employees, clients and suppliers.

Because everyone’s situation is different, there’s no clear-cut formula for deciding which of these exit options is right for you.

And it isn’t simply a matter of numbers, either, because you’ll need to consider some intangible factors, too. How will your family be affected by your choice?

How would you feel if your business was in someone else’s hands, or no longer existed? You’ll need to work out these issues, along with the financial ones, before you decide on your business exit strategy.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. You may want to consult your financial, legal and tax advisors, and possibly work with a commercial banker and a business evaluation expert.

By drawing on several sources of expertise, you can feel more confident that you’ll make a decision that’s appropriate for your needs.

One final suggestion: Don’t wait too long before you begin putting together your exit strategy. Time goes fast — and when the time comes for you to say goodbye to your business, you’ll want to be prepared.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Topher Mood, your Edward Jones financial advisor at (503) 397-1125.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Topher Mood, AAMS® - Financial Advisor 2504 Sykes Rd, St. Helens, OR 97051 • (503) 397-1125 www.edwardjones.com/topher-mood

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