CCCC36

Clatskanie Middle/High School receives funding

WILL LOHRE Country Media,

Inc.

Clatskanie School District received $250,000 in funds from the State of Oregon through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Revitalization Grant.

The grant funds will go toward supporting the expansion of Clatskanie Middle/High School’s (CMHS) Automotive/ Manufacturing Program of Study.

CMHS Principal Laurie Maughan gave insight into how the school was able to secure the grant.

“We worked with Tim Kamppi, who’s our manufacturing teacher, and I worked with Northwest ESD to put in the grant,” Maughan said. “That was the max amount. It sounds like a lot of money, right? But sometimes, when you’re talking about that equipment, it doesn’t go quite as far as you would think.”

Maughan said she thought they would be awarded less than the maximum amount they requested, but they were thrilled to be awarded with the full $250,000.

Maughan said that CMHS currently has a manufacturing program, and there are courses of study within. There is a metals program where students learn to manufacture with metals. They have a woodworking course, construction basics, a robotics class, and an equipment repair program.

One of the big uses of the secured funds will be the expansion of the equipment repair program to a “full-blown automotive repair class.” Maughan said they want to update the equipment to the most current technology related to the automotive field.

“So we’ll be able to bring in the computer systems that are required now for automotive repair,” Maughan said. “It’s a huge advantage for our students to be able to have experience in what is happening in that industry right now.”

Another big use of the funds will be to upgrade the machining in the metal manufacturing department. The school is looking to buy a Haas Mini Mill for their coursework.

Maughan said supporting CTE programs is important because CMHS has many kids who are eager to “dive into that workforce.”

“It’s really important that we offer them an opportunity to experience some of those things that they would be experiencing in the workforce. To build that skill set, and be ready to go out,” Maughan said. “Also, we find that our community needs skilled workers. And they’re ready to take on further training,

especially when those kids come out with some basic knowledge and understanding of the trade.”

With manufacturing and industry being staples in Columbia County, Maughan said offering this alternative curriculum can help kids stay close to home and work and make a livable wage.

Maughan also emphasized that part of the grant is for the school to try to bring some of the demographics that aren’t represented in the

CTE program to these opportunities.

“[We want to] see if we can draw more female students to those programs, and also students who are at risk or struggle in the academic arena,” Maughan said. “Some kids who don’t excel at bookwork really, really excel in the CTE programs. They are like lifegiving to them.”

Maughan said the strategy to bring in those students is something CMHS and the district are building and thinking through so they can advertise to a broader demographic.

Maughan said that she feels “honored and grateful” to be able to bring upgrades to Clatskanie’s students. The district has just gotten their guarantee of funding, and they are now finalizing and putting processes in place to secure the items the grant will help fund. Maughan said they hope to have some of them in the fall of 2024.

About the CTE Revitalization Grant

Seventy-four Oregon high schools—serving more than 36,000 students—have secured career readiness grants totaling $7.629 million.

The CTE Revitalization Grant funds from the State of Oregon serve diverse communities around the state, with programs focused on advanced manufacturing, agricultural science, business, computer science, construction, cosmetology, engineering, firefighting, health sciences, hospitality, media and natural resources.

Zubers request CCSO turnover investigation

Country Media, Inc.

Representatives of the family of Sarah Zuber are urging Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley to approve an investigation into the death of Sarah Zuber, a teenager who tragically died in March 2019.

Background

On Mar. 13, 2019, Sarah Zuber’s body was found by her sister, Katie Zuber, on the side of Neer City Road in Rainier, less than 400 feet from her home.

After an investigation by a major crimes team, Oregon State Medical Examiner Rebecca Millius ruled that the death was accidental and caused by “combined deterious effects of acute ethanol (beverage alcohol) intoxication and hypothermia due to

exposure.”

From the moment the investigators delivered their conclusion, the Zuber family had serious concerns about the investigation. The Justice For Sarah Zuber Facebook page, created to bring awareness to the ongoing plight of the family, now has more than 2,000 followers.

While the family hopes for a reinvestigation of Sarah’s death, the family has also been seeking public records related to the case. Representatives for the Zubers filed a complaint against the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in December 2023 because they say public records relating to the death of their daughter requested of the agencies have not been filled, now more than two years after the original requests were made. The family is also requesting that an investigation

be undertaken by St. Helens Police Department Detective Matt Smith. The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief spoke with Zuber family spokesperson Jennifer Massey and Zuber family attorney Erica Tatoian to understand where things stand on both requests.

“[There’s] two requests from the Zubers. One is the public records request, which is being handled in litigation,” Tatoian said. “The second request is that Sheriff Pixley reopen the investigation and allow either Matt Smith of the Major Crimes Team, or ask the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate Sarah’s death.”

Tatoian said the public records would tell the family what the initial investigation entailed but that opening a new investigation would provide answers the family desperately seeks.

See ZUBERS, Page A10

NXTClean Fuels asks port for rent reduction

meeting included a letter from NXT CEO and Chair Chris Efird to Port Westward director Sean Clark dated Nov. 27. Efird requested in the letter that rent payment be lowered in response to the damage done to Port Westward when a tug boat ran into the dock Nov. 12.

The

The materials presented to the

commissioners at the Feb. 14

“Damage inflicted on the Port Westward Dock by the tow boat collision on the morning of Nov. 12, 2023, calls into question NXT’s ability to ever operate a refinery at the site as stipulated under its Ground Lease Agreement,” Efird wrote. “Given the unknown period necessary to bring the dock back into service and the inability of NXT to proceed with engineering until such time as the final dock repairs have been complete, this event renders any existing or estimated timelines void and additional development activities uncertain.”

The letter outlined that NXT has paid more than $3 million to the port in rent since 2018. One of the factors

in NXT asking for reduced rent was the extended process of permitting, use agreements, and other factors that Efird said efforts in this area would “continue for most of 2024.”

NXTClean Fuels Director of Communications Michael Hinrichs

said the rent reduction is retroactive to December 2023. Hinrichs also said the rent reduction request is partially because of the extended permitting process. “The original site development agreement included a clause that in-

creased the rent dramatically, which we’ve been paying for many years, because the original agreement was based on previous expectations of the permitting timeline,” Hinrichs said. “Permitting has taken longer, so we are asking to go back to the original rent and then pay a lump sum to the Port of Columbia County upon a successful Financial Investment Decision (which would come after all permits are approved to move to construction).”

Hinrichs said the Financial Investment Decision refers to whether NXTClean Fuels ultimately decides whether to go forward with construction after all the permits for the project are secured.

“We are requesting to revert back to the original lower rent and then ‘true up’ the difference in a lump sum following permit approval and Final Investment Decision,” Hinrichs said. The Chronicle & Chief asked

See

St. Patty’s Day intrigue with Rainier City Library

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The Rainier City Library will host a murder mystery tea party this St. Patrick’s Day, the second of its kind after a similar Mardi Gras murder mystery fundraiser hosted in February of 2023.

The event will be Mar. 16 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rainier United Methodist Church located at 101 E C St. in Rainier. Attendees will play one of a variety of characters celebrating St. Patrick’s Day over a threecourse tea in a small town pub.

Rainier City Administrator Scott Jorgensen said he is excited for the community to come out and participate.

“Last year, we had around 60 people, so we’re looking to do the same this time, have it be half and half. Half the people will be characters, and have the people will be detectives,”

Jorgensen said. “I’ve already picked out my character!” Tickets are $20, and when people buy a ticket, they can choose the character they would like to be.

Organizers encourage participants to dress up for the role, embrace their imagination, and enjoy solving a mysterious make-believe murder.

The character list includes people from all walks of life, “from the local chicken farmer to a major league soccer player, a rodeo cowboy, and a profes-

sional moocher,” organizers said. There were 60 tickets available, and organizers hope the event sells out this year. The ticket website is

rainiercitylibrary.ticketleap. com/stpattysday. The proceeds from the event will help fund operations at the library and build additional funding streams.

Library Board Chair

Marcia Roberts said the murder mystery component adds a bit of intrigue to the library’s yearly tradition of hosting teas at the Methodist Church.

Roberts said she would be making food for the event. There will be two kinds of scones served at the event, as well as a cabbage salad with green peppers and green onions, corned beef pasties, and egg salad with arugula sandwiches. For dessert, there will be an Irish cream chocolate mousse brownie and a bowl of fruit with a sugar cookie. If people are interested in volunteering to help serve food at the event, they are encouraged to contact the library.

SHSD’s February Community Impact Awards

SUBMITTED BY

ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

During the St. Helens School District (SHSD) board meeting on Jan. 24, School Board Chair Melody Killens, fellow School Board members, and Superintendent Stockwell presented Community Impact Awards to Bay Scholl, Chris Hawkins, and Stan Girard. The awards are presented to a student, a staff member, and a community member to recognize their contributions to the St. Helens School District.

Bay Scholl

ing commitment to the Early Learning Programs and their willingness to engage with young learners in a fun and interactive manner. Bay Scholl is an exceptional and dedicated student who consistently goes above and beyond to contribute to our Early Learning Programs. As a participant in the ECE Practicum program, Bay dedicates a portion of their day to assist in our Otter Pups Preschool classroom, show casing a genuine passion for early childhood education.

ute to the success of our team. In every opportunity to learn and try something new, Bay consistently demonstrates unwavering support and reliability. Their invaluable contributions make them an integral member of our Early Learning Team.

Bay received this honor in recognition of their unwaver-

Bay serves as a student worker with remarkable flex ibility, seamlessly stepping in to substitute for others in the infant/toddler Cubs Corner Classrooms. Beyond regular duties, Bay volunteers to embody Freddy the Frog, our beloved mascot, during Ready Freddy Kindergarten events held on Saturdays. This not only demonstrates commitment but also reflects a willingness to engage with young learners in a fun and interactive manner. Bay eagerly takes on new challenges, as shown by their active participation in interviews for the addition of a new teacher to our team. This not only showcases their dedication to personal and professional growth but also emphasizes their reliability and enthusiasm to contrib-

COURTESY PHOTO

Chris received this honor in recognition of his life-saving intervention and for his dedication to the well-being and safety of students.

Recently, Chris noticed a student in distress and quickly stepped in using the Heimlich maneuver to rescue the student from the critical situation. Chris’s heroic life-saving intervention in this emergency reinforces his dedication to the well-being and safety of our students.

Beyond his remarkable life-saving act, Chris is known for his genuine com mitment to creating a positive and supportive school com munity. He goes above and beyond by ensuring he knows each student by name, foster ing a sense of connection and familiarity within the school environment.

Chris is not merely con fined to his official duties; he can be seen during key times of the day, such as break fast, lunch, and bus duty. Chris actively works to build meaningful connections with students.

positive development of our students sets an exemplary standard for all members of our school community.

Stan Girard

through his knowledge of the latest stats and his affinity for offering encouraging words to the athletes.

Stan’s connection with the baseball program traces back to his son’s involvement, and he currently manages the streaming platform for their games, ensuring that supporters can access live broadcasts online. Stan generously contributes his time to support events throughout the year.

Whether it’s announcing games, managing the clock at basketball matches, or assisting with wrestling events, his presence is felt across various facets of our athletic community.

Chris Hawkins’s contributions to Lewis & Clark Elementary are endless. He actively looks for ways to provide support and contribute to the overall growth and development of every student in our school community.

One of Chris’s standout qualities is his willingness to step in and offer assistance without being prompted. Whether it’s lending a help ing hand during an activity or addressing a situation that requires immediate attention, Chris is always ready to support and ensure the well-being of students and staff alike.

Chris’s dedication to the safety, well-being, and

Stan Girard was unable to make the meeting, so his wife, Nancy Girard, accepted the award on his behalf.

COURTESY PHOTO

Stan received this honor in recognition of his endless commitment to the St. Helens Boosters Club, St. Helens athletes, and the entire St. Helens community.

Stan Girard has played a pivotal and influential role within the St. Helens Booster Club since 2014. Known for his unwavering commitment to both service and the athletes of the St. Helens School District, Stan is a passionate supporter of our programs. His enthusiasm is evident

Stan’s impact extends beyond administrative roles; he is the backbone of the day-today operations of numerous sporting events at SHHS. From running score clocks to announcing at various games, Stan’s contributions are truly indispensable. His efforts in coordinating volunteers for essential roles further highlight his dedication to the success of our athletic endeavors.

His wealth of knowledge and expertise regarding the Boosters Club is indispensable, and his contributions to St. Helens athletes and the entire St. Helens community are invaluable.

Jayce Graham is the Elks Student of the Month

SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT

St. Helens High School (SHHS) is pleased to announce Jayce Graham as the Elks Student of the Month for February.

Jayce is a highly esteemed student and athlete, well-known for his outstanding achievements. Upon learning of his selection, Jayce stated, “I was very happy to be chosen to represent my community.”

Active in various aspects of school life, Jayce serves as a percussionist

in both the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble at SHHS. Additionally, he showcased leadership as a varsity captain for the football team this year and previously served as a referee for youth soccer. Teacher and Coach Nic Shular states, “Jayce Graham is the best TA I have ever had, is a fantastic drummer, and is a tremendous leader within the SHHS community.” Jayce is also engaged in the National Honor Society and has contributed to Lion Crew for the past two years. Beyond the school

environment, Jayce actively participates in community service, dedicating his time to volunteer work. He supports soup kitchens, participated in the “Ready Freddy” program to facilitate the transition from preschool to kindergarten, and worked for two years in the high school’s daycare. Reflecting on his experience, Jayce shared, “I enjoyed engaging and playing with the younger kids.” Currently, he works at a local store to save and contribute to his college fund. After graduation, Jayce has plans to attend the

Community Meals is a member agency of the Columbia Pacific Food Bank and operates as a benevolent kitchen. It is the only program of its kind in Columbia County and is currently serving a warm, healthy, free meal to an average of 90 guests per evening. Our goal is to help our neighbors in need with dignity, respect & hospitality.

Our dinners are served every Tuesday at the First Lutheran Parish Hall on the corner of 4th & Wyeth Streets, in St. Helens. Doors open at 5:00 pm and meal served 5:30-6:00 pm. Call: 503-397-0090 for more information.

Donations may be mailed to Community Meals, 360 Wyeth Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 or in person at InRoads Credit Union. If you or your organization would like to sponsor a meal or volunteer, contact Kathy Bauska 503-438-0323 or Cathy Bowcock 503-369-9985.

Columbia Pacific Food Bank

First Evangelical Lutheran Church Sunshine Pizza Knife River Kiwanis

Victorico’s Mexican Food Presbyterian Church Christ Episcopal Church

University of North Dakota to enroll in their commercial aviation program. With aspirations to become an airline pilot, he believes his determination is his greatest asset. Jayce is set to graduate with an Honors Diploma and an impressive 4.0 GPA. Teacher Jay Groom praises Jayce, stating, “Jayce is just about the perfect kind of student. He works hard, asks great questions, has the right amount of fun in class, and helps others, too. He always makes the class fun to teach.”

We thank our many sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and donors for their support! 75

COURTESY PHOTO

Photos from the 2023 Mardi Gras mystery tea.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY

PHOTO

Jayce Graham

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 Department

February 21

• Police arrested a 44-yearold female subject on a fugitive warrant near Gable Road and Rockwood Drive.

February 22

• Police cited and released a 45-year-old female subject

for theft II at the 200 block of Bradyen Street.

February 24

• Officers responded to a traffic crash and agency assist on DRE near Columbia River Highway.

• Police responded to agency assist for collection of blood evidence at 901 Port Avenue.

• Officers arrested a 44-yearold male subject on DUII, and reckless driving at 2000 Columbia Boulevard.

February 25

• Police responded to a possible restraining order violation at the 300 block of South 13th Street.

• Police arrested a 53-yearold male subject on DUII, and disorderly conduct II at the 1000 block of Old Portland Road.

February 26

• Police responded to a theft of vehicle at the 100 block of Allendale Drive.

February 27

• Police responded to violation of stalking order at the 500 block of 9th Street.

Rainier Police Department

February 19

• A caller reported a woman sleeping in a car. No crime was committed, and the person was okay.

• Received a report that a driver did a ‘burn out’ causing gravel to damage the caller’s vehicle. The caller is employed by the city, and the call was forwarded to Oregon State Police.

February 21

• A couple got into an argument during the installation of a car stereo. The male left in the vehicle without permission. The woman called in to report it stolen. She then called back a short time later to report that she had found her car and was going to retrieve it.

• Officers responded to a residential alarm. The house was found to be secure.

• An officer responded to a call reporting a suspicious vehicle. Everything checked out okay.

• A man attempted to take advantage of a cashier, stating she was counting the money wrong while he instructed her to count it back into his

of the money, leaving with two prepaid gift cards valued at $500 each and a bag of chips. The astute manager sensed something was wrong and immediately checked the register and found that the man had only paid $300 for the purchase. The manager was able to cancel the gift cards and so far, the man has not returned for his money.

February 23

• An officer checked on a report of an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle was tagged, and a letter was sent to the registered owner.

• The owner of 3 dogs was given a verbal warning regarding his dogs being loose and reportedly aggressive.

end motor vehicle accident on the Lewis & Clark Bridge. The drivers exchanged information without incident.

February 25

• A woman reported that someone she was with took her vehicle, and she wanted to report it stolen. She later said the vehicle had been observed abandoned on I5 in Washington, and she was going to see if it was her vehicle. An officer attempted phone contact with the woman several times without success.

February 27

• A woman called to report that she noticed a broken

Social media threat ‘no longer a concern’ for County schools

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

School districts in Columbia County saw an increased presence of law enforcement at schools March, 1, following a threat made on the social media platform Snapchat. The threat was been deemed unlikely to be credible by law enforcement and schools announced the situation had been resolved.

In a post on the Clatskanie School District (CSD) Facebook page, CSD Superintendent Danielle Hudson said the threat that “all Columbia County School Districts were made aware of this morning has been addressed, and that threat is no

longer a concern.” In a message to the community posted on Facebook, Scappoose Superintendent Tim Porter said the public safety announcement had been resolved. Porter also noted that due to the nature of the situation and the active investigation, law enforcement across Columbia County issued the information to all area school districts and provided increased law enforcement presence around all county schools. Hudson provided additional context in her post as to what the threat was.

“At 8:36 a.m., the Clatskanie School District was contacted by law enforcement. We were informed

that a Snapchat message had been intercepted that contained an image of a weapon with a generalized threat to an unnamed school. All they could share at the time was that the message may have originated somewhere in North Columbia County,” Hudson wrote.

Rainier School District Superintendent Joseph Hattrick released a similar notice to district families with the same information.

Each superintendent expressed gratitude for local law enforcement’s “dedicated vigilance” in keeping the schools safe. They also thanked the community, staff, and students for “patience and understanding.”

Calling all Clatskanie Alumni

SUBMITTED BY

JAMIE ERWIN

Are you a graduate of Clatskanie High School?

Can you sing or even just carry a tune? If so, the Clatskanie High School Choir invites you to join them for a very special song performance at graduation. You don’t need to live locally to participate but you do need to be at graduation.

Details

Email: Jaime Erwin jerwin@csd.k12.or.us

Practice: Recordings and music will be sent out via email. Practice and learn the song on your own.

If possible, join us for rehearsal when you can.

Optional practices:

• Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m.-6:46 p.m.

• Thursday, May 16, 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

• Thursday, June 6, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

• Friday, June 7 - Graduation practice with graduating class, time TBD (around 11 a.m.)

A zoom link can be provided for those out of the area who want to listen and sing along. You will be muted on our end due to the delay but it’s better than nothing.

Mandatory practice (morning of graduation):

• Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (at the latest).

Performance (Graduation)

• Saturday, June 8, Call time 1:30, Graduation 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Dress: Professional dress in red, black, or white, mix is ok. If interested in participating, please fill out this form by Wednesday, March 13. https:// forms.gle/aSn93dvzbMqVFXa7A.

Having problems with the form? Email Jaime Erwin at jerwin@csd.k12.or.us.

you grow and navigate the complexities of utility engineering. From offering career advice to

providing technical expertise, our staff will help guide you.

Networking opportunities: Building a strong professional network is essential for success in any industry, and the world of public power is no different. As an intern at Columbia River PUD, you’ll have the chance to learn from experts in their profession who are also leaders in the community. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional circle and forge meaningful connections that can open doors to future possibilities.

Impactful projects: Our

engineers to gain valuable hands-on experience in our evolving industry. With many jobs in our industry expected to open due to retirements over the next decade, our internship program provides a unique opportunity for you to gain direct work experience and potentially help set you on the pathway to a career in public power. You can learn the details about this program and find application materials on our website at www.crpud. net/internship. Applications must be received at the PUD office by 5:30 p.m. on March 28, 2024. Incomplete or late applications will not be

COURTESY PHOTO

Columbia County schools saw an increased presence of law enforcement March, 1, following a threat made on the social media platform Snapchat.

Regulating AI in campaigns will require ongoing effort

There’s a growing and widespread consensus that artificial intelligence technology needs legal guardrails, and political ads and communications are one of the prime places lawmakers are looking to place them.

As Kathy Wai of the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office put it in recent legislative testimony: “Campaigns can easily create high-quality, convincing AI generated content in the form of images, voices, deepfakes and other forms of (AI). AI is an evolving threat in our highly charged mis, dis and malinformation environment.”

Effective solutions, though, will not come easily. Getting the details right, and finding aggressive solutions, can be tricky, and it will take a persistent, ongoing effort.

In Oregon, Senate Bill 1571 would require disclosure of the use of AI to create a false impression In campaigns in ads or other materials. It came from Sen. Aaron Woods, D-Wilsonville, but also has backing from 27 other legislators in both parties and across the philosophical spectrum. It passed the Senate on Monday, and goes to the House for consideration.

The bill would carry teeth: Campaigns caught using AI and not disclosing it could face a fine up to $10,000 for each violation. It would exempt news media and some satirical publications from the requirements, and would allow the secretary of state to draft rules to put enforcement into effect.

But even if campaigns disclose the use of AI in any campaign material, any ad, flyer or other message still could easily lead to false impressions – usually about

the subject of an attack. And with AI technology becoming so commonplace nationally, it’s likely to start showing up in small and local political activities before long. Oregon isn’t the first state to consider regulating the use of AI in campaigns. Quite a few states already have entered the fray: Half of all the states considered AI-related legislation in last year’s session, and they’ve adopted varying approaches. A law passed in Texas in 2019 bans deepfakes within 30 days of an election if the purpose is “to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election.” California that year – and again in 2022 – passed a roughly similar measure with a 60-day period. Washington state last year added a law banning AI messages with an “appearance, speech or conduct that has been intentionally manipulated with the use of generative adversarial network techniques or other digital technology” that give a false impression of a candidate or issue.

The Oregon bill defines a false impression as, “A fundamentally different understanding or impression than a reasonable person would have from the unaltered, original version of the image, audio recording or video recording.” That still might afford significant wiggle room in specific cases if one got to court. There’s also a reasonable question in most of these efforts about how effective those rules would be. The required disclosure in the Oregon bill, for example, might translate into a smallprint notice that would be ignored by viewers or readers emotionally swept away by powerful images.

In the Senate Rules Committee hearing, almost all the testimony on SB 1571 was favorable. However, a major

exception was Emily Hawley from the American Civil Liberties Union who said, “We appreciate the scale of these potential electoral risks but believe this bill as written would likely be challenged and overturned.”

Oregon law already has long-standing limits on speech in areas such as libel, fraud in some cases, soliciting, perjury and conspiracy, and but Hawley said that while the new bill covers some of that territory, it doesn’t “proscribe the speech only when it actually or necessarily produces the harm.”

AI is evolving so fast –as are its uses – that it has become hard to define. That doesn’t mean Oregon legislators should wait to address it, but it means they ought to set up an ongoing review –probably a persistent interim committee – to monitor its evolution and track the ways laws might usefully address it. They should anticipate this will be an ongoing work area for years to come.

In arguing for the current Oregon bill, Woods, the sponsor, said “The bill will build awareness.” That it may do, whether it passes or even if it doesn’t, since more voters may be locally alerted to some of the new ways some candidates or causes may try to deceive them. And that would be a significant plus all by itself, whatever the legal challenge emerging down the road.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/02/27/ oregon-legislature-venturesinto-regulating-ai-in-campaigns/

Oregon Capital Chronicle (oregoncapitalchronicle.com) is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

2024 election

Alphonse Gabriel Capone, sometimes known by the nicknames ``Scarface” and “Snorky,” was an American businessman and gangster who gained a reputation during prohibition as the co-founder and boss of the Chicago Outfit from 1925 to 1931. His crime boss years ended when he went to prison. Was he sent to prison for hitting one of his employees with a baseball bat? No. Was he sent to prison for running illegal liquor during prohibition? No. He was charged with 22 counts and convicted on 5 counts of tax evasion.

President Donald J. Trump built a real estate dynasty by overstating the size and value of his holdings by 300% yet filed property taxes on their actual size thus ‘gaming’ the system to attain preferred loan and tax rates. Although the banks and customers were paid in full, was a crime committed? Yes, he lied. He wasn’t qualified for any special loans or tax rates.

Should President Trump go to prison? Should President Trump pay his fair share with interests? Should the wealthy play by the same rules as other Americans?

Should a candidate for president be allowed to use campaign contributions to pay for his lawyer’s fees and fines?

The 2024 election sounds more like the title of the 2007 movie “No Country for Old Men”, neither candidate is fit to hold the office of president but does either political party care? Nope, as long as their candidate gets elected.

Joe Turner Columbia City

Critical American legacy

Every year, the United States saves millions of lives and helps forge a better, healthier, and safer world for everyone – and we do it for a mere fraction of the federal budget.

Development and humanitarian assistance makes up less than 1% of the federal budget, but supports programs and policies that improve lives and livelihoods for millions of people. These programs fight HIV/AIDS, ensure children don’t die from preventable diseases, advance educational oppor-

tunities for women and girls, promote job opportunities and economic growth, fight corruption, and a lot more.

We know foreign assistance works. Thanks in large part to US contributions, more than one billion fewer people are living in extreme poverty today than were in 1990. This progress is incredible – we must ensure that it’s lasting. Disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing conflicts around the world, and the continued impacts of the climate crisis have sparked the first increase in people living in extreme poverty in decades. We can’t let this continue.

That’s why I’m going to Washington, DC to make sure Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden and Congresswoman Bonamici maintain this critical American legacy by supporting at least $61.7 billion in the FY 2025 State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill, including no less than $4.4 billion specifically for Development Assistance. Investment in foreign assistance is not only the right thing to do; it’s in America’s best interest by creating a safer, more stable, and more prosperous world for all.

Michael Kalkofen Beaverton

Community Events

March 9 Pruning Workshop: Fruit Trees, Berries, Roses, Perennials & Grapes

10 a.m. - noon Mater Gardener Demonstration Garden at Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Bring your clippers and loppers. We will teach you how to sharpen and maintain your pruning tools. Free buckets, while they last. This is a free event.

March 10 Skamokawa

Swamp Opera

3 p.m. - Skamokawa Swamp Opera – definitely not an opera! Presented by The Clatskanie Arts Commission, Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie. Tickets available at clatskaniearts.org.

March 16 Build a Birdhouse craft day

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Columbia City Community Library, 2000 2nd Street in Columbia City. Kits will be available for all ages and skill levels. Preregister for this free event with the name of the child, age and phone number at ccclibrary@ live.com or stop by the library to sign up.

March 16 St. Patrick’s Day Murder Mystery Tea Party 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Rainier United Methodist Church, 101 E C Street in Rainier. Three course tea and a mystery presented by Rainier City Library. Tickets are $20 and are available at rainiercitylibrary. ticketleap.com/stpattysday. Ages 16 and up.

March 17 Celebrate St.

Patrick’s Day at the Caples House Museum

6 p.m. dinner with a corned beef and cabbage dinner. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Irish sing-along to follow dinner. Includes one Guinness, one Irish coffee for adults over 21 years old. Tickets are $35 per person. Reservations required. Call 503-397-5390.

March 21 Scappoose Got

Talent

6 p.m. at Scappoose Adventist School, 54285 Columbia River Hwy. in Scappoose.

March 23 Women’s History

Reading

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at The Salty Siren Bookstore, 229 14th St. (behind Ash River Woodworks) in downtown Astoria. This event is free to the public and will feature three local authors: Marianne Monson, Kama O’Connor, and Deb Vanasse. Books available for purchase. Reception and signing to follow. Learn more at www.thewritersguild.org.

March 24 Quincy Grange

48th Annual Chicken Dinner

Noon - 3 p.m. at 78314 Rutter Road in Clatskanie. Traditional Sunday fried chicken dinner including dessert and beverage. Adults, $15, 6-12 year olds, $7.50, under 6 years old are free. Proceeds benefit youth programs, scholarships, and community service. Find information on Facebook or call Ellen at 503-728-2886 or Barb at 503-728-4143.

March 28 Job Fair hosted by Goodwill Industries 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Scappoose Library, 52469 SE 2nd Street in Scappoose.

March 30 2024 mEGGa Egg Hunt

10:30 a.m. gates open. Hunt starts at 11 a.m. sharp. Gates close at 12:30 p.m. This event is for kids 12 years old and younger and is held at The Columbia County Fairgrounds, 58892 Saulser Road in St. Helens. Come by for a coloring contest, plant a seed to take home, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, and a special needs hunt area. Ride CCRider

with the Bunny from McBride School.

April 14 Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters

3 p.m. - Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters featuring a 6-piece band. Tickets available at clatskaniearts.org. Presented by The Clatskanie Arts Commission, Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie.

April 26 Updated EventSpencer Day tribute to Frank Sinatra

7:30 p.m. - Due to visa problems, Will Martin performance has been canceled and will be replaced by Spencer Day and his tribute to Frank Sinatra. Will Martin tickets will be honored for this performance. Presented by The Clatskanie Arts Commission, Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem Street in Clatskanie.

May 18 Spring Sip & Shop

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Columbia City Hall, 1840 2nd Street in Columbia City. Free admission and can food drive donations for Columbia Pacific Food Bank. Shop over 20+ vendors, floral arrangements by Mobile Meadows, music provided by Summer Wedding Events, LLC and food and alcoholic beverages available. For more information visit the Facebook event page @ Spring Sip & Shop. Hosted by Twisted Sisters Boutique, LLC and The Watering Hole, LLC. For more information contact twistedsisters.b.llc@gmail. com.

On Going Events

Mondays

Storytime on Mondays

11 a.m. at the Columbia City Library, 2000 Second St. in Columbia City. For questions call, 503-366-8020.

Celebrate Recovery

For anyone struggling with addiction, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. The first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. the doors open for a free dinner. Yankton Community Fellowship, 33579 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. 503-396-7091. Childcare is available. www. yanktoncommunityfellowship. com.

Tuesdays

Community Meals serves free community dinner

5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, 360 Wyeth St., St. Helens. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Thursdays

Columbian Toastmasters

Noon – 1 p.m. Promoting positive learning and leadership through public speaking. Anyone is welcome to visit. Lunch meetings at Warren Country Inn, 56575 Columbia River Hwy, Warren, OR 97053 from 12 p.m.-1 p.m. every Thursday. Call 503-369-0329 for more information.

Fridays

Caples House Tea and Sweets 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Caples House offers Tea and Sweets: a bottomless cup of tea with a homemade dessert. Cost is $5. In The Cottage, 1925 First Street in Columbia City. Call 503-397-5390 for more details.

Fridays – Sundays

Caples House Museum Tours 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Caples House Museum Tours, 1925 1st Street in Columbia City. Cost is $5. Stop by and see

what has changed. Caples House Museum Tours are closed except by reservation until Friday March 1. If you’d like a tour, please call 503397-3590.

Saturdays

Overcomers Outreach Meetings are held every Saturday at 9 a.m. at Creekside Baptist Church, 51681 SW Old Portland Road in Scappoose. Call Fred 971-757-6389.

22nd Annual Scappoose Farmers’ Market 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. next to Heritage Park in Scappoose, Oregon. Come by for nursery plants, herbs, flowers, food, handmade products by local craftsmen and more. For more information call 503-730-7429 or www.scappoosefarmermarket.com.

Weekly Events

Resonate Recovery Meets at 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday - Sundays. This is a Bible based, Christ-centered spiritual recovery meeting for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behavior at 220 S. 1st Street in St. Helens. Everyone is loved and welcomed. For more information call Debbie at 503-560-0521, Daniel Grant at 714-768-9327 or check the Resonate Facebook page.

Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches

Clatskanie Senior Center lunches Clatskanie Senior Center Lunches now served Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at noon at the Castle Cafe, 620 SW Tichenor. Call 503728-3608 for reservations. Use ground floor entrance to the left of front stairs. Good parking in back off of SW Bryant Street. Castle Tours available by appointment, includes Clatskanie Historical Society museum. Call Debbie at 503-338-8268.

The Rainier Public Library

The library is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be closed Sundays and Mondays.

Monthly Events

Laundry Day provided by St. Wenceslaus’ Laundromat Ministry

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Scappoose Laundromat, 52494 SW 1st Street #3531 in Scappoose. This event is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Winter weather conditions may cause cancellation. Bring your laundry and the rest is supplied (laundry detergent, dryer sheets and quarters). For questions call 503-5432110.

Lower Columbia River Watershed Council

Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.

Avamere at St. Helens 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month. For more details, contact

Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.

To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@ countrymedia.net, or call 503397-0116.

Army Chemical Corps, and stationed in Dugway, Utah and Greenland. Following discharge from the service, he worked as a chemist for various large corporations in California. Kurtz and Lidy moved to Moscow, Idaho

Aaron “Kurtz” Carpenter

His love of teaching spilled over into his classroom. His greatest satisfaction was helping students to overcome their fear of chemistry. During Kurtz’s career he taught thousands of students in the In addition to chemistry and teaching, Kurtz loved gardening, barbershop quar-

dren, Corrie and Mark. He received his PHD in Analytic Chemistry from the Universi ty of Idaho. Kurtz moved the family to Longview in 1975 and began teaching chemistry at Lower Columbia College. He married his best friend, Emily Hazen, in 1991 and

facility in July 2023.

Kurtz was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest and Ada Kurtz Carpenter; and two sisters, Anne Petefish and Lu Bro.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Emily Carpenter; daughter Corrie Lin; son Mark Scot (Joan); three grandchildren; five great-

will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat. March 16, 2024 at the Riverside Community Church, 305 W. 3rd St, Rainier, Oregon. The family suggest donations to Sunnyside Learning Center, PO Box 1509, Rainier, OR 97048 in Harry’s name.

Olive Jean Gilbert

March 20, 1929 ~ Feb. 28, 2024

Olive Gilbert passed away Feb. 28, 2024, at the age of 94. She was born March 20, 1929, in Bismark, North Dakota to Raymond and Jean (Tennent) Couture. At a very young age Olive and her father moved out west to Oregon where they settled in Columbia City, Or egon. Olive attended school in St. Helens while her father worked.

Clinton Timmons; brother Jerry Couture; sister Tommy Coleman; five grandchildren, Dean Timmons, Jeff Timmons, Karen Harrison, Cecilia Timmons-Garcia, and Cristina Timmons-Garcia; as well as seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Gilbert; daughter Roberta Timmons; sister Dorothy Couture; and brother Gordon Couture.

Olive was married to Robert R. Timmons, and they had three children together. On March 23, 1967, Olive married Richard Gilbert in Kelso, Washington. They were married for 44 years before his death in 2012. During their time together,

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shelby Jean Boelk of St. Helens, Oregon, on February 26, 2024. Shelby touched many throughout her life and will be greatly missed.

Shelby was born on June 19, 1945, to Harold and Gladys Indahl of Littlefork, Minnesota. During her school years, she worked at her family’s restaurant, Indahl’s Cafe. After graduating from Littlefork-Big Falls High School, she attended Business School in Duluth, Minnesota.

On July 18, 1964, Shelby married the love of her life, Charles Boelk, at Littlefork Lutheran Church. Together, they raised their three daugh-

they were members of the Moose Lodge, Elks Lodge and the Energizer Club of Boise Cascade Retired Employees. They also did a lot

of traveling, driving across the United States and Canada visiting friends and relatives, spending time in Spain, and keeping a cabin in LaPine for 30 years. Olive worked a few different places in life, she started at Crown Zellerbach Papermill, then as an administrator at St. Helens Hospital and then, finally before retirement, she tried her hand in Real Estate. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, and metal detecting, she loved watching and feeding the birds. She and Richard also enjoyed their woodworking projects. Olive was survived by her two sons, Carl and

Shelby Jean Boelk

June 19, 1945 ~ Feb. 26, 2024

ters (Leesa, Susie, and Julie) in Northern Minnesota where Shelby enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and playing her piano. Most of all she just loved spending time with her

family. In 1985, the family moved out of state due to Charlie’s job, and settled in St. Helens, Oregon. Despite moving across country, Shelby kept herself busy with many trips back to Minnesota to visit friends and family. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in St. Helens. Shelby became a regular bowler with the Morning Muffins bowling league, played Bunco, and enjoyed reading countless books on the family’s boat while Charlie fished. Most of all, Shelby cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Shelby is survived by her husband of nearly 60

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on March 12, 2024, at Columbia Funeral Home in St. Helens, Oregon. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.

years, Charlie; daughters, Leesa, Susie (Ray), and Julie (TJ); grandchildren, Ashley, Tyler, RJ, Hunter, Rylee, and Peyton; great grandchildren, Cameron, Ricky, and Mag; and sister-in-law Patti Indahl. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Gladys Indahl, and her brother Gary Indahl. A memorial service in St. Helens, Oregon, and graveside service with interment in Littlefork, Minnesota, will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: First Lutheran Church in St. Helens, Oregon Littlefork Lutheran Church in Littlefork, Minnesota.

P.E.O. Sisterhood Tulip Sale Fundraiser

The P.E.O. Sisterhood, St. Helens chapter will be selling tulip bouquets just in time for Easter. The tulips come in several colors and sell for

SUBMITTED BY THE CITY OF ST. HELENS

The St. Helens Parks & Trails Commission is currently taking applications from individuals who are interested in matters pertaining to the operation, planning, development, improvement, beautification, and maintenance of public parks and trails in St. Helens.

The city encourages interested parties to share

$10 a bunch. The tulips are available for pickup starting on Wednesday, March 27, in the afternoon. You can order your tulips

ideas with this very important commission. There are currently two vacancies on the commission. The deadline to submit an application is Tuesday, March 26. This commission meets once a month, on the second Monday at 4 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for March 11. The commission was created, and members are appointed by the St. Helens City Council. All committees are advisory to the council.

from any P.E.O. Sister or contact Sue Branch at 503-3131177. Cash, check or venmo is accepted. P.E.O. provides education-

To learn more about the Parks & Trails Commission, please visit the City’s website at www.sthelensoregon. gov. If you click on Your Government and then select Boards & Commissions, you will be taken to the webpage that lists the current membership information. There is also a link to the portion of the Municipal Code that establishes the commission. To learn more about the city’s parks and

al opportunities for women. We do this by offering scholarships, grants, awards and loans to help women enhance their lives through learning.

trails visit the Parks page at www.sthelensoregon.gov/ parksites.

If

If

DIVORCE $130

Complete preparation. Includes children, custody, support, property and bills division. No court appearances. Divorced in 1-5 weeks possible. 503-772-5295. www.paralegalalternatives.com legalalt@msn.com.

Is 2024 your year?

We’re here for it and here for you. Reach your goals this year with WeightWatchers. Get started with THREE months FREE, visit www. weightwatchersoffer.com/39.

YMT Vacations Alaska, Europe, Hawaii plus dozens of other popular trips! Starting at $1649 per person (double occupancy req’d.) YMT Vacations plans everything, leaving you to relax and enjoy. Call 1-877-2304828 for more details. Use promo code YMT2024 for $250 off. Limited time only.

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection.

Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-536-8838.

LeafGuard Call LeafGuard and say goodbye to gutter cleaning for good. No cleaning. No leaking. No water damage. No more ladder accidents. Get LeafGuard today and be protected for life. FREE estimate. Financing available. 20% off total purchase (Restrictions may apply.) Call 1-844345-1537.

Generac Home Standby Generator

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-877-557-1912 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

The Generac PWRcell

A solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-844989-2328.

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-955-3417.

Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-877916-0803.

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-3739175.

DIRECTV OVER INTERNET

Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/ mo for 12 months.

HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-6022009.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare!

Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-839-0752.

Safe Step

North America’s #1

Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-3951433.

BCI Bath & Shower

The bathroom of

your dreams in as little as 1 day. Limited Time Offer - $1000 off or No Payments and No Interest for 18 months for customers who qualify. BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Call Today! 1-844-8479778.

Wesley Financial Group, LLC. Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-487-0221.

Life Line Screening Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-844-655-0972.

Veteran Car Donations Make a tax-savvy move this holiday season and yearend! Donate your car, truck, boat, RV, and more to champion our veterans. Arrange a swift, no-

cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax deduction. Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-695-9265 today!

Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-533-9173 today!

301 Health & Nutrition

Alcoholics Anonymous Info-line, (503) 366-0667 www.pdxaa.org

502

Help Wanted

City of St. Helens is hiring Police Officers Two (2) Positions. Regular Full-Time.

Starting at $6,514/ month. Excellent Benefits Package. Apply online at www.sthelensore gon.gov. Open Until Filled. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Project Coordinator Join our team at Columbia County Habitat for Humanity. As Project Coordinator, you will play a vital role in engaging volunteers to create affordable housing solutions. Working closely with the Construction Manager you will lead volunteer teams, ensure adherence to safety standards, and manage repair projects, contributing to the growth and impact of our organization. Full Job description at habitatcolumbia county.org.

Victim Advocate Columbia County, OR. EOE. Deadline 3/20/2024. Apply at Columbia CountyOR.gov.

Classroom Specialists

We have openings for classroom specialists to serve students at Quest Academy in Longview, WA. 32 hrs/wk, school year schedule.$22.54-$27.42 full hourly range. Offers are made at the beginning of the range. Great benefits and retirement. Apply today: https://www. schooljobs.com/ careers/esd112/

Position REQUIRES

and may require a background/credit check.

experience in law enforcement is desired, but not required. Prior experience with hazardous materials handling and event security desired but not required. This position is responsible for initiating and maintaining an overall safety program, providing general security for persons and property under the Port District’s jurisdiction, enforcement of port regulations and resolutions and is a liaison to local first responders. Incumbents patrol buildings, docks, piers, roads, trails, and grounds to determine security issues and potentially hazardous conditions or safety violations.

Full job description and requirements will be posted on the port website and in the port office. Estimated date of employment is April 1. Applications due by March 20th at 3:00PM and are available at the Port of Garibaldi office, 402 S 7th St., Garibaldi or online at www.portofgaribaldi.org. Applications may be turned in at the port office or at jessi@portofgaribaldi.org

Any questions may be directed to the Port of Garibaldi (503) 322-3292.

PUBLIC NOTICES

CC24-1060

NOTICE OF STORAGE AUCTION

Scheduled

CC24-1064

NOTICE

Call 971 203-4616. Luis Vargas De Lara Unit #29 10 x 10. Cash Only.

OF ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the landowners and Board of Directors of the Clatskanie Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Port of

CC24-1063

Columbia County’s Office located at 555 SW Bryant Street in Clatskanie, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director, adopt a budget and any other business that

comes before the landowners. Zoom meeting information can be requested at Columbiadistricts5@yahoo. com. Dated this 1st day of March, 2024. Elliot Levin, Secretary Clatskanie Drainage Improvement Company Board of Directors

NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING

The Board of Directors for Clatskanie School District 6J will hold their monthly Board meeting, Tuesday, March 12, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. at the Clatskanie Elementary Library, 815 Nehalem or via Zoom. In addition there will be an executive session @

CC24-1066

5:45 p.m. prior to the regular meeting. Executive Session ORS 192.660 (i) To review and evaluate the employment-related performance of the chief executive officer of any public body, a public officer, employee or staff member who does not request an

open hearing. Please see our website at www.csd.k12.or.us for a zoom link. The agenda includes but is not limited to: Superintendent and Principal’s reports, financial report, policy updates and the consent agenda. The public is encouraged to attend.

NOTICE OF HYBRID MEETING

The CC Rider Transit Advisory Committee will be holding a hybrid meeting on March 19, 2024, at 4:00PM at 1155 Deer Island Rd, St. Helens,

CC24-1036

Oregon 97051. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet. goto.com/187982949 You can also dial in using

your phone. Access Code: 187-982-949 United States (Toll Free): 1 877 309 2073 United States: +1 (646) 749-3129. The public is welcome.

TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE

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. RIGHT TO CURE The right exists under ORS 86.778 to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by doing all of the following at any time that is not later than five days before the date last set for the sale:

(1) Paying to the Beneficiary the entire amount then due (other than such portion as would not then be due, had no default occurred); and

(2) Curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the Trust Deed; and

(3) Paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the Obligation and Trust Deed, together with Trustee’s and attorney’s fees not exceeding the amounts provided by ORS 86.778. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes the plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the Trust Deed, and the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any.

CC24-1065

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting for the landowners and Board Members of the Clatsop #15 Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia and Clatsop County, Oregon, will be held Tuesday, March 19th, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the

CC24-1067

9, 2023, plus interest on the sum of $30,132.06 at the rate of 7.75 percent per annum from and including October 10, 2023, until paid, together with Trustee’s fees, attorney’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the Trust Deed. The Property will be sold to satisfy the Obligation. The date, time and place of the sale is: Date: April 2, 2024 Time: 11:00 A.M. Place: COLUMBIA COUNTY COURTHOUSE, MAIN ENTRANCE, 230 STRAND STREET, CITY OF ST. HELENS, COUNTY OF COLUMBIA AND STATE OF OREGON.

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

Bankruptcy Information: The personal liability of the grantor to pay the debt owed to Beneficiary may be discharged in the grantor’s bankruptcy, however, the Trust Deed lien against the real property remains in existence and is in full force and effect. Beneficiary is not seeking to enforce the debt obligation as a personal liability of the grantor and is merely foreclosing its lien which will not be affected by any bankruptcy discharge. Any reference to “Debt” or “Obligation” refers to the lien indebtedness. We are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Cashier’s checks for the foreclosure sale must be made payable to Miles Monson, Trustee. DATED: November 6, 2023 /s/ Miles D. Monson, Miles D. Monson, Successor Trustee, 1865 NW 169th Place, Suite 208, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, (503) 8281820. EXHIBIT A LEGAL

DESCRIPTION Parcel 1: Beginning at a point which is North 0°29’ East, 393.77 feet and South 89°31’ East, 90.12 feet from the Southwest corner of Tract 51, A Holaday Orchard Tracts as per

Clerk’s Office of Columbia County, Oregon; thence South 89°31’ East, a distance of 109.88 feet: thence North 0°29’ East and parallel to the West line of said Tract, a distance of 198.24 feet to the Southerly right of way of the County Road; thence following said right of way South 76°13’ West, a distance of 53.52 feet, thence North 61°04’ West, a distance of 65.98 feet; thence leaving said right of way South 0°29’ West, a distance of 216.48 feet to the point of beginning. EXCEPTING THEREFROM any portion lying within the tract conveyed to Lynn C. Spencer et ux by deed recorded June 14, 1983 in Book 247, page 535, Deed Records of Columbia County, Oregon. Parcel 2:

Beginning at a point on the West line of Tract 51, of A. Holaday Orchard Tracts, Columbia County, Oregon, as per plat on file and of record in the Clerk’s Office of Columbia County, Oregon, which is North 0°29’ East, 393.77 feet from the Southwest corner thereof; thence South 89°31’ East, a distance of 90.12 feet to the Southwest corner of the Jack F. Cleghorn et ux tract as described in deed recorded May 27, 1971 in Book 181, page 741, Deed Records of Columbia County, Oregon; thence along the West line of said Cleghorn tract, North 0°29’ East, a distance 216.48 feet to the Southerly right of way line of the County Road; thence North 61°04’ West, along said right of way, a distance of 102.5 feet, to the West line of said Tract 51; thence South 0°29’ West, along said West line a distance of 265.31 feet to the point of beginning. Parcel 3:

Beginning at a point which is North 0°29’ East, 392.00 feet from the Southwest Corner of Tract 51 of A. Holaday Orchard Tracts, in Section

Poplar Tree Nursery Office located at 91151 Old Mill Town Rd in Westport, OR. Notice is further given that all proxies must be in writing and signed by the owner. The meeting is to elect a director, adopt a budget and any other business that comes

before the landowners. Zoom meeting information can be requested at columbiadistricts5@yahoo.com. Dated this 1st day of March, 2024. Kathy Haiby, Secretary/Treasurer Clatsop #15 Drainage Improvement Company, Inc. Board of Directors.

In the Matter of the Estate of: VELVA JUNE MARSH, Deceased. CASE NO. 24PB00415 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Patricia Conroy has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Patricia Conroy, 51803 SE 7th Street, Scap-

CC24-1037

poose, OR 97056, personal representative of the estate of Velva June Marsh, within four 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 the lawyer for the personal representative, Aaron Martin, 272 South 1st Street, Saint Helens, Oregon 97051. Dated and first published on March 6, 2024.

BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY, OREGON

In the Matter of the Proposed Vacation of a Portion of Mayger Fill Road, at the Old Fire Hall. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING (PUBLICATION) TO: ALL INTERESTED PERSONS 1) Notice is hereby given that the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on March 20, 2024, at or after 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 310, Columbia County Courthouse, 230 Strand, St. Helens, Oregon. 2) The purpose of the hearing is for the Board to consider the proposed 50foot vacation of right-of-way on Mayger Fill Road. 3) For more information about the road vacation process, please

contact Michael Russell, Public Works Director at michael.russell@columbiacountyor.gov or by phone at 503- 397-7215. 4) The hearing is open to the public and all interested persons may appear and be heard. Written comments on this issue can be submitted via email to Jacyn.normine@columbiacountyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Board of Commissioners c/o Jacyn Normine, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051 prior to 5pm on March 14, 2024. 5) You may participate in this hearing in person or virtually. To attend virtually go to https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/357054141

or call United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679. The meeting access code is: 357-054-141. The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to continue the hearing to another date and time. If the hearing is continued, no further public notice will be provided. 6) The location of the hearing is accessible for the disabled. If you need any special accommodations to attend or participate at this hearing, please call the Board of County Commissioners’ Office at 503-3974322 at least two (2) days in advance. 7) The proceeding will be held pursuant to the provisions of ORS 368.326 to 368.366. DATED this 5th day of February 2024.

CC24-1062

ANSWERS

Oregon permanent standard time bill survives after Senate splits

An effort to switch Oregon to permanent standard time will live to see another day after hitting a temporary roadblock on Tuesday, Feb. 20, when the state Senate split evenly on the bill.

It takes 16 “yes” votes to pass a bill in the 30-member Senate, and Sen. Kim Thatcher’s Senate Bill 1548 had just 15 senators on board when it first came up for a vote on Tuesday. That set the Keizer Republican and other supporters on a mission to change a colleague’s mind or find a compromise in the minutes before the Senate adjourned for the day and dashed all hopes for ending the twice-annual clock change.

Several hushed, intense conversations later, Thatcher and Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, D-Portland, had a solution: Instead of trying to have Oregon lead the way on switching to standard time and hoping other West Coast states would catch up, supporters agreed to amend the bill to add a trigger clause clarifying that Oregon would only ditch daylight saving time if and when Washington and California do the same.

Thatcher told the Capital Chronicle she came prepared with a motion to reconsider the bill if it failed because

many of her colleagues hadn’t made up their minds. Three of the senators who unanimously voted it out of a committee last week ended up voting against the bill on the floor. “I did not know where it was gonna land,” she said. “I tried to get that intel and it was just that nobody knew where they were.” For Thatcher, who five years ago pushed a bill to switch to permanent daylight time, it was a clear choice. There isn’t the same momentum around moving to daylight time as there seemed to be in 2019, and permanent daylight time would require an act of Congress while states can move to standard time on their own. An effort stalled in Washington this year, but bills are alive in California and Idaho, where a bill was introduced late last week.

“We can ditch the switch for real this time,” Thatcher said.

A broad-ranging debate in the Oregon Senate covered religious freedom, interstate commutes, health concerns, school start times, and Arizona. The majority of the opponents – 12 of the 15 –are Democrats, but so are co-sponsors Steiner, Senate President Rob Wagner, DLake Oswego and Sen. Deb Patterson, D-Salem.

Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, represents a vast

National Guard conducting

The

4-6.

“Conducting night air combat

is critical to

are ready

our

a

environment,” 142nd Operations

Group Deputy Commander Col. Daniel McAllister said.

“In addition, it is required in order to fulfill our enduring home station aerospace control alert mission protecting the Pacific Northwest.” Night flying is conducted as an essential training requirement for nighttime maneuvers. Training flights will be completed each evening before 10:30 p.m. The Portland Air National Guard Base employs around 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

section of eastern Oregon, including Malheur County, which is on Mountain time and would have ended up two hours ahead of the rest of Oregon if the bill passed as drafted. Findley supported it.

But Sen. Bill Hansell, the Athena Republican who represents northeast Oregon, had the same concerns as Sen. Michael Dembrow, a Democrat who represents north Portland. Hansell said his constituents, many of whom do business in Washington and go to Walla Walla, Washington, for services that aren’t available in smaller eastern Oregon cities, want to make sure they stay in the same zone as Washington. Dembrow sees the same issue on a larger scale in Portland, where thousands of people commute between Portland and Vancouver or southwest Washington each day.

“What that means is that for two-thirds of the year, Portland will be an hour different from Vancouver and southwest Washington,” he said. “All of those people – there are thousands of people who live in southwest Washington and commute to Oregon, or vice versa, are going to have to change their watches twice every day.”

Public health, religious concerns

Steiner said switching to permanent standard time takes a stand for public health and religious freedom. Steiner is Jewish, and her religion includes morning prayers that can’t be recited until after sunrise. Permanent daylight time would make it all but impossible for Jewish people to congregate and say prayers in the morning, she said. Steiner’s also a doctor,

“The

and she noted that medical research indicates changing clocks is bad for mental and physical health. She urged senators to move forward with adopting year-round standard time, saying Oregon could lead the way.

“Once we’ve done it and we’ve demonstrated the benefits and we’ve demonstrated our commitment to this, I think we’ll see Washington and California and a lot of other states picking up the mantle sooner,” Steiner said.

Most states observe daylight saving time, but Hawaii and most of Arizona are on standard time year round. Indiana didn’t start observing the twice-yearly time change until 2006.

Sen. Brian Boquist, RDallas, reminded colleagues that they heard a lot about Arizona while discussing economic development and the semiconductor industry last year.

“If I recall correctly, I think that economic horsepower state beating us out for economic development is the state of Arizona, and they’re on standard time,” Boquist said. “Let’s be like Arizona. Let’s get more economic development, let’s get more

swings in daylight hours. Portland is dark for nearly 16 hours a day in December, while the sun is out for more than 15 hours in peak summer. Her constituents and her brother have strong feelings about ending the annual switch, which Gelser Blouin said her brother calls “abuse of clocks.”

Gelser Blouin said she understands arguments for keeping standard time for students who need to get to school safely. The sun has been rising earlier and earlier for the past few weeks, and by March 9, the last day before daylight saving time begins, it’ll rise around 6:30 a.m. The following Monday, the sun won’t rise until 7:30 a.m. But Gelser Blouin said the real problem to fix is early school start times.

“With apologies to my brother, my no vote will once again support ‘abuse of clocks,’” she said.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/02/20/ oregon-permanent-standardtime-bill-survives-after-senate-splits/

Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus donors as a 501c(3) publicrial independence. Contact questions: info@oregoncapi-

COURTESY IMAGE

COURTESY PHOTO

A 123rd Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle takes off from Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. during night flying operations, April 21, 2022.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM SIERRA TRASS

All About The Brisket food truck celebrated its official grand opening March 4, an occasion marked by a ribbon-cutting.

Jim Sully is one of the owners, along with his wife, Crystal. Sully said Crystal “is the champ” for the work she does in the cart and behind the scenes.

biggest thing is that we want people to love the food. That is our total goal. We appreciate the support we’ve had so far and [the support] I suspect we’ll have in the future,” Sully said.

Ryan Gillett racing for family

For St. Helens local Ryan Gillett, racing runs in the family. This year, he will compete in his rookie season in the Sportsman class, the same class Gillett’s late father used to race in.

“I will be racing my late father’s number. My grandfather helped make that track what it is today,” Ryan Gillett said. “I’m just looking to carry on my family’s tradition out at that speedway.”

Ryan Gillett raced at River City Speedway in the Pure Stock class last season, but in his final race of the year, he totaled his car in a crash. Gillett came away from the crash with minor injuries and now has his sights set on a championship in the Sportsman class.

Gillett’s father, Jon Gillett, raced at River City Speedway from about 1995 to 2006. Jon Gillett raced a car with the number 30 on it; now Ryan Gillett has taken up the family number. Jon Gillett passed away in 2016 but never won a championship. That goal is

Zubers request CCSO turnover investigation

From Page A1

Meeting with the county Representatives for the family met with Pixley, Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond, and county attorneys Jan. 22 to present the “action items” for a new investigation and to request Pixley to authorize an investigation by another law enforcement agency.

“We just focused on things that can actually be done today that can help provide answers in this investigation,” Tatoian said.

Tatoian said that some of the family’s issues with the investigation can not be remedied now. An example Tatoian gave of something that is not “fixable” is that investigators did not wait for the mobile forensics lab to arrive at the scene. Representatives told Pixley that Smith was the family’s choice based on things they had heard from within the community.

“[The Zubers] also said that the fact that they trust him and prayed so much that any of the answers that he brought forth are something they would find peace and closure with,” Massey said. “That’s an important piece of this. So, even if it came back with the same result, he can articulate it in a manner that explains it to them so that they would be able to find solace.”

Tatoian said that the frustration with the initial investigation comes because there are a lot of “puzzle pieces missing.” Tatoian said that it does not

Clatskanie

Middle/High School receives funding

From Page A1

In total, the 31 grants help to create or expand CTE programs focused on high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand fields such as

Gillett’s motivation. “In all his years of racing, [my father] never won a championship. My goal is to bring the family a championship with my father’s number,” Gillett said. “That is my driving force, and it’s been that way since day one. I watched my father struggle for many, many years; he came so close so many times, and I want to be the one to bring my family back into the spotlight.”

Gillett said that winning a championship for the family would be “big.” Gillett said his grandfather, Wayne

add up how Columbia County reached its decision on Sarah’s death.

In email correspondences that took place after the meeting between the county and representatives published on the Columbia County Transparency and Accountability Facebook page, Pixley said he gave the list of investigative questions to CCSO Detective Dave Peabody, who originally investigated the case. Pixley asked that representatives for the family meet with Peabody, and the representatives have refused.

Tatoian said it’s “not acceptable” to have Peabody “review his own work here.”

“We have several reasons why. One is that he has already confirmed to me personally that he’s confident in his initial conclusion, so that makes me question how he could scrutinize his own work,” Tatoian said. “The other issues are more kind of what he did in the initial investigation.”

One example was that Peabody had used a PBT breathalyzer to test the contents of Sarah’s water bottle at the scene. While Peabody said it was alcohol, Tatoian said forensics later found that the water bottle actually contained muddy water.

Tatoian also said that the Major Crimes Team did not follow up on “a number of 911 calls” that came in relating to Sarah’s death. Tatoian said they know that wasn’t done because the Justice for Sarah Zuber team reached out to those leads and confirmed that they were not contacted. Representatives also noted that investigators only took three photos of Sarah’s body and that there was surveillance footage that was not collected from the relevant period.

The biggest puzzle piece the Zuber representatives want

Health Care, Manufacturing, and Construction. These programs provide valuable access to experience, expertise, and additional forms of support to the communities they serve and give students relevant education and preparation for career and postsecondary learning experiences. Students who pass CTE courses graduate at higher rates when compared to the general student population.

Rigdon, was Track President for River City Speedway in the ‘90s. Truly a family affair; Gillett said that his grandmother is also a big driving force for the team. She helps fund the car and is one of his biggest supporters. The shop where the car sits right now is the same place where Gillett’s grandfather and dad built their own race cars.

For Gillett, racing has been something central to his family since he was a kid. To win a race, let alone a championship, would go far beyond victory lane.

“In 2009, in my rookie

to look into is an issue with the medical examiner’s report.

“The initial medical examiner report said that ‘blunt force trauma to Sarah’s body was sufficient to have caused death.’ So, her death was ruled undetermined,” Tatoian said. “Later, the medical examiner revised that report to say the opposite. ‘Blunt force trauma was not sufficient to have caused death.’ The only other change to the report is a sentence that said, ‘Due to a thorough law enforcement investigation.’ That doesn’t make sense because a law enforcement investigation isn’t going to change the state of her body and whether trauma to the body could have caused death.”

The two medical examiner reports have been published online on the Justice For Sarah Zuber Facebook page.

Tatoian said that an investigator should talk to the medical examiner to see why this change was made. Even if the change was the result of a “huge typo,” Tatoian said that the family needs to know “because it doesn’t make any sense.”

Tatoian said permitting Smith to take on the investigation would help the Zubers have confidence in the conclusion because they want a reinvestigation that comes from an entity that would not be influenced by the initial investigation.

“Because of their experience to date with Detective Peabody and the Sheriff’s Office, they just have no faith that the conclusion will be reliable. Period,” Tatoian said. “Anyone else whose teenage daughter was found dead in a ditch on a highway would want confidence in the law enforcement investigation about their daughter’s death.”

Tatoian said they can’t un-

According to the most recent data for the Class of 2023, CTE concentrators (across all student populations) graduated at a 95.0% rate, 13.7 percentage points higher than the state as a whole.

In 2011, the Oregon Legislature established a competitive grant program entitled the CTE Revitalization Grant which strengthens the alignment of Career and Technical Education, work-

ably die happy the next day.”

Gillett said it’s a big deal for him, but he has some doubts going into the season.

The Firebird that he raced in Pure Stock was “not competitive.” Gillett said it was because of the lack of funding and understanding he had, and it “broke” him in his first year of racing in 2021. Since then, Gillett’s Napa

derstand why Pixley will not grant a reinvestigation. Tatoian said she had reached out to St. Helens Police Chief Brian Greenway about whether Smith would be able to take the case, and Greenway said Smith would.

The Chronicle & Chief reached out to Greenway, and he said, “Law enforcement agencies within Columbia County are short-staffed and often rely on each other to ensure we provide the best service and protection to all Columbia County residents, regardless of the jurisdiction.”

“If the Sheriff or a chief requests our assistance, we ensure we maintain the level of service for our investigations while assisting other agencies. Detective Sergeant Matt Smith is our point of contact for our agency for any criminal investigation,” Greenway said.

Pixley’s response

In order for a new investigation to be undertaken by a separate law enforcement agency, the CCSO must approve the case to be turned over to that agency, whether it is DOJ or SHPD in this case.

Pixley said that following the meeting with Zuber family representatives, he assigned the leads presented to Peabody to look into.

“Following this, detectives reached out to the attorneys for further clarification on the provided leads, but the attorneys declined to meet. Despite this, CCSO continues investigating these leads to see if they offer any potential new information relevant to the investigation,” Pixley said. “CCSO does not intend to reopen the investigation unless a lead provides a reason to do so.”

Pixley said that CCSO detectives “continue to follow up on new leads or evidence

force development and economic development. In July 2015, Governor Kate Brown signed House Bill (HB) 3072 and HB 5016, authorizing $9.0 million for the Oregon Department of Education to continue the CTE Revitalization Grant program. During the 2023 legislative session,

Feyko Refrigeration, and his family and friends, but he said they are still signing deals.

“That car is going to look gnarly when it’s done,” Gillett said.

Winning a championship is a cumulative score accrued over the season through placement in individual races. Gillett said there will be around 13 races he will compete in to

provided to them.” When asked if he remains confident in the original conclusion of the investigation, Pixley said, “Yes.” He noted that the Major Crimes Team detectives invested thousands of man-hours in this investigation.

Pixley said that according to the evidence, including the medical examiner’s report, Sarah’s death resulted from acute alcohol intoxication and hypothermia due to exposure.

“The State Medical Examiner found no indication of homicidal violence,” Pixley said. “As there is currently no conflicting evidence, we accept the conclusions of the State Medical Examiner.”

Regarding his decision to turn the case over to another authority, Pixley said he has neither approved nor denied reopening the case or transferring it.

“Currently, the DOJ is reviewing the Zuber case to evaluate the Major Crimes Team’s investigation for its thoroughness and accuracy,” Pixley said. “Until the DOJ completes its review and decides whether reopening the case is warranted, it would be premature to initiate any new investigation.”

The Chronicle & Chief have contacted DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General Kurt Miller for an update on the review of Sarah’s case but have not received a response at the time of press.

Memorial and Stand of Encouragement for Sarah Zuber

The Justice For Sarah Zuber team will be hosting an event Mar. 9 from 5-7 p.m. in memory of Sarah Zuber. The event will be held on the sidewalk in front of Safeway on Hwy 30, located at 795 Lower Columbia River Highway in

$7.629 million was allocated for CTE Revitalization.

The CTE Revitalization Grant Advisory Committee–comprising representatives from organized labor, trade organizations, education, and Oregon’s business, labor, industry, and trades communities—reviewed 66 applica-

said. “We are still advancing through the federal permitting process, and that is likely to be the last permit we need before moving forward with the project.”

try to bring home the championship. Gillett said his team is looking to “turn some heads this year.” The crew is ready to help Gillett compete for his goal.

“My crew Gage Lewno and Nathan Long, we’re all three driving this year. Nathan and Gage are my best friends when it comes to racing, they know so much more than I do,” Gillett said. “I know how to drive the cars, but they are instrumental in getting us to where we are right now.”

Gillett’s girlfriend Gemini is also a big supporter of his, and he said that she has been in his corner and knows how important getting behind the wheel is to him.

While there isn’t a great financial reward for winning races or a championship at this level, Gillett’s ultimate goal goes far beyond money.

“Winning a race with my father’s number, I would be broken into tears. If I were to win a championship, you wouldn’t be able to get me out of the car in victory lane because I would be a mess,” Gillett said.

St. Helens. “This is the second one that we’ve had, which is a memorial for Sarah coming on the five-year anniversary of her passing; this one we’re hoping to do more publicly so that we can bring more awareness, to celebrate her life, but also to bring more awareness to the citizens of Columbia County that may not be aware of this case,” Massey said. “Hopefully, we can unite more individuals to help this family get answers, peace, and closure.”

Massey said they are trying to get “as much attention as possible” with the hope that Pixley will make the decision to turn the case over to Smith or the DOJ.

“It’s going to be an encouragement because we don’t want any more negativity than we already have here. We want to encourage with positive reinforcement to our sheriff to do the right thing,” Massey said. “We have been at this since November 2022, we’re not going to give up until we fulfill this commitment to the family.”

If CCSO ultimately decides not to turn the case over to another agency and handles the investigation themselves, Massey said the family will seek alternative means to look into Sarah’s death.

“The biggest question is why Sheriff Pixley would not just want to give it over to Matt Smith,” Massey said.

Massey said that turning it over to Smith would alleviate many of the family’s and the Justice For Sarah Zuber team’s concerns. Though St. Helens is currently stretched thin with personnel, Massey said the family would feel more comfortable about the situation even if the investigation takes an extended period.

tions totaling $16 million in requests. The committee prioritized applications based on geographic diversity, community partnerships, and programs that lead to high-wage, in-demand occupations, especially for historically and currently marginalized students.

whether NXTClean Fuels would still pay the lump sum if the company does not decide to go forward with construction, but have not yet received response at time of press.

Needed permits and approvals

Regarding what permits and approvals NXT still needs, Hinrichs said “NXTClean has all of the key state permits.” On Mar. 6, the Columbia County Commission will rule on NXT’s final county permits. “If approved, we will have all of our key state and local permits in hand,” Hinrichs

The federal permit Hinrichs is referring to is the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) review process of NXT’s Clean Water Act Permit.

“The USACE will need to issue an Environmental Impact Statement for public review, then a Final Environmental Impact Statement, and then issue an order on approval or denial,” Hinrichs said.

Columbia Riverkeeper Conservation Director Dan Serres addressed concerns he had with NXT during the Feb. 14 port commission meeting and said the rent reduction would hurt the port financially. Serres referenced the port’s strategic plan.

“It’s a big blow to the

port’s finances,” Serres said. “This requested rent deferral would contribute to this problem, causing the port to, say, over a 12-month period, lose out on over $1 million of rent, with the hope, not the assurance, that in the end, this would be returned to the port. There is no assurance that they will reach a positive decision and get all the permits they need.”

Critics of the resolution to lower NXT’s rent say the request calls into question whether the company has the funds to continue with the project.

NXTClean Fuels is “still advancing discussions with investors,” according to Hinrichs.

The Columbia County Commissioners will rule on NXT’s final county permits on Mar. 6. The Columbia County Port Commissioners will decide on the resolution to reduce NXT’s rent Mar. 13.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM RYAN GILLETT

COURTESY PHOTO FROM RYAN GILLETT

Nathan Long, Ryan Gillett and Gage Lewno at the awards banquet from last season