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New location needed for SHPD station

The City of St. Helens will be reviewing locations for its proposed police station again after the council decided to deny the land use application for a police station at the Kaster Road property at a council special session on May 9. City Planner Jacob Graichen characterized the decision as the council deciding not to locate the station at the location based on potential shortcomings at the site.

During the discussion before voting to deny the conditional use permit, Councilors Mark Gundersen and Jessica Chilton voiced that they felt the city had mitigated the concerns relating to the property but that going through the appeal process was not worth the time or the money. “I believe the site was mitigated

On the ballot in Columbia County

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The 2024 Oregon Primary Election is next week, and there will be several ballot measures that could affect tax rates across the county. While we have heard from the candidates running for Position 1 and Position 3 for the Columbia County Commission, let’s take a look at the ballot measures that voters will be asked to approve or deny during this election cycle.

Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District - Renewal of 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Operating Fund

Columbia 911 Communications District is seeking a five-year renewal of its operating levy, as the current Operating Fund levy will end on June 30 of this year. The renewal would not create an additional tax burden, and the renewal measure is at the same tax rate approved by voters in 2019. The Operating Fund levy renewal would be at a rate of 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, added to the permanent rate of 25.54 cents per $1,000 assessed value. For a home assessed at $100,000, the annual combined cost of the permanent and requested renewal levy would be $54.54 per year.

The five-year renewal would help support all ongoing functions of the 9-1-1 call center, such as 24-hour staffing, training, and coordination with local and state emergency operations. On average, the 9-1-1 call center answers about 213 calls daily and 77,899 emergency calls annually. The levy would help the call center maintain the current level of emergency services to citizens.

Columbia CountyJail Operating Tax Levy

Voters will once again be asked to renew the Columbia County Jail Levy for four years to bridge the

remaining gap for the jail’s full operation through fiscal year 2028.

Operational costs for the jail have “significantly increased,” more than doubling in the last four years, according to the county. The county said that challenges arose during the pandemic, including reduced bed rentals by the U.S. Marshals Service and increased food and medical expenses.

The tax levy will contribute to constitutionally required care for inmates, including food, clothing, health care, corrections deputies, and other corrections staff, in addition to facility maintenance and deferred capital projects, such as a roof replacement.

Passage of the measure would raise property owners’ taxes by $0.29, from $0.58 to $0.87 per $1,000 of assessed property value. A property owner with an assessed value of $100,000 would pay $87.00 annually for four years. If passed, the levy would be extended for four years and is projected to raise $23,728,262. If it is not approved, the measure will expire.

The use of operating funds will continue to be monitored by a citizen committee established by the county (the “JOCAC”). In addition, the county will annually audit the use of tax levy funds for jail operations.

City of St. HelensCreation of Police Protection Services Staff Fund

Members of the St. Helens City Council passed a resolution to put a five-year local option levy on the primary election ballot in May that would raise $0.69 per $1,000 of assessed value to support hiring more police officers for the St. Helens Police Department (SHPD).

The City of St. Helens has less than half the national average for law enforcement coverage per person. The national average is 3.5 police officers to 1,000 citizens. The City of St. Helens is 1.38.

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properly; I stand by that site,” Chilton said. “ But, I’m not willing to fight and waste our taxpayer’s money, our city’s money, to try to prove that. I feel like the city is being held hostage by a political agenda, and I’m not willing to go down that path.”

Councilor Sundeen said he felt similarly and that getting the station built in a timely manner

See SHPD, Page A2

Columbia Hills welcomes back residents

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Columbia Hills Retirement Center has risen from the ashes, welcoming back residents of the facility with a ceremony just over 18 months after a deadly fire claimed the life of one resident and displaced others.

The fire took place in October of 2022 at Columbia Hills Retirement Center at 36050 Pittsburg Road in St. Helens. An explosion and subsequent fire took the life of one resident and caused significant damage to one of the facility’s wings.

Due to the damage to the building, 31 of the tenants were forced to relocate. While many returned within a few months, completing the facility’s restoration marked the return of all residents to the retirement center. The completion of the A-wing allowed six residents to return to their rooms. The restored wing has 12 rooms and was repaired to the level it had been previously, paid for by insurance.

Originally expected to be finished in November of 2023, delays were caused by the changing costs of materials and challenges in installing the new fire alarm and sprinkler system.

To celebrate the completion of the project, Columbia Hills held a “Welcome Home Party” on May 8 for residents and the first responders who assisted in rescuing residents on the night of the fateful fire.

Rick Langston is one of the residents who was welcomed home to the A-wing, and he talked about his journey getting back to his home.

“It’s a relief to have my own place again, it’s been a long time but it’s good to be back,” Langston said.

Langston said he’s relieved there’s a new sprinkler system in place to help mitigate future fires but that it took a long time for him to recover from the fire.

“It took me a while after the fire; I had nightmares; I barely got out. So, I’m pretty much over that, and I don’t have any fear of being back,” Langston said.

Langston said he misses the way his apartment was before and that it’s an adjustment but that everything is “nice, new, and fresh” and that it’s “good to be back.”

The Welcome Home Party

Elderserv Board member and Treasurer of Columbia Hills Ellen Bailey described what it meant to see the project finally done.

“It’s good to see everybody back. The residents struggled being separate. Living in separate places, they couldn’t just walk out of their room and say hi to somebody,” Bailey said.

“We really pushed as hard as we could to get them back as soon as we could. Everything is back better than it was, and we’re excited about that.”

During the party, residents mingled with representatives from

many of the companies and agencies that helped with construction, emergency response, and supporting tenants while they were displaced.

The event featured an address from Elderserv board chair Debra Elliot, as well as addresses from Columbia River Fire & Rescue (CRFR) Chief Eric Smythe, and EMS Division Chief and Rainier Mayor Jerry Cole.

Smythe began his address by saying he was there that night and thanked the local law enforcement and other responding fire departments. He noted that the new wing now includes a sprinkler system, which is a welcome update to the facility’s fire safety.

Addressing the gathered crowd, Elliot thanked first responders for their efforts in keeping the residents safe before discussing what the completion of the project has meant to her and the Columbia Hills board.

“We’re here in celebration of A-wing and having everybody back under the same roof,” Elliot said.

“We’re also here to acknowledge that fire and what happened that night.

That night, St. Helens police officers who were first on the scene, and CRFR came to discover the A-wing on fire. They went door to door, and window to window getting everyone out to safety.”

Elliot then asked the group to take a moment of silence in honor of the

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a photo of where the police station was set to be constructed at the intersection of Kaster and old Portland Road.

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Residents and community members

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People across the united States were treated to nature’s greatest light show over the weekend, as the northern lights were visible across the state and large parts of the country.

InRoads Credit Union’s Food Drive

InRoads Credit Union’s food drive benefitting Columbia Pacific Food Bank (CPFB) has wrapped up. Through generous donations from community members, the credit union raised $1,088 and 490 pounds of food for the food pantry.

InRoads hosted the food drive from April 22 through May 3 across its three branches in Scappoose, St. Helens, and Rainier. Though community donations accounted for $1,088, InRoads matched the donation, bringing the total donation to the food bank to $2,176. These resources will help provide over 7,500 meals for local families.

About InRoads Credit Union

InRoads has worked with CPFB for decades, helping to provide access to healthy food and resources to those facing food insecurity in Columbia County. Through collaborative efforts, advocacy for equity, and sustainable practices, CPFB is dedicated to building a community where everyone can access nutritious food and resources to thrive. Its shared goal aligns with InRoads’ mission to promote wellness in all aspects of community life — financially, physically, and mentally.

Proud to be a not-forprofit member-owned finan-

cial cooperative, InRoads Credit Union was established in 1938 and holds over $360 million in assets.

The community-focused organization contributed $138,853 to local nonprofits, community organizations, and scholarships, as well as nearly $16 million in small business loans in 2023. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school, volunteers, or worships in Columbia, Clatsop, Cowlitz, Multnomah, and Washington Counties, along with immediate family who are existing InRoads members. In addition to the incoming Hillsboro location, InRoads has locations in Scappoose, St. Helens and Rainier, OR.

Q&A with Commission candidate Casey Garrett

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In last week’s edition, the Chronicle & Chief heard from the three candidates vying for Position 1 of the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. This week, we will hear from incumbent Casey Garrett, who currently holds Position 3 on the commission and is running unopposed in the upcoming 2024 Oregon Primary Election on May 21. The following is an interview with Commissioner Garrett about his motivation to run and some of the issues he hopes to address if reelected.

The Chronicle & Chief: Why did you decide to run, and what skills will you bring to the Commission if elected?

Casey Garrett: I decided to run for reelection because I believe in the progress we’ve made over the past four years and am committed to continuing that work. With a focus on cus-

tomer service, infrastructure improvements and maintenance, and responsible resource management, I’ve demonstrated my dedication to serving Columbia County. My background in construction, facilities management, and local government administration has provided me with the necessary skills to effectively address the county’s challenges. I take my role as County Commissioner seriously and am honored to have the opportunity

to serve for another term.

The Chronicle & Chief: What do you see as the greatest challenges facing the county you hope to address if elected?

Garrett: Our greatest challenge is maintaining our road system.

Local property taxes fund a small portion of county operations, while inflation and a growing range of state-mandated services strain the county’s general fund. Historically, county roads have been supported by Federal DOT dollars and State allocations through fuel tax, vehicle registrations fees, and the commercial vehicle weight-mile tax. Counties are responsible for more road miles than cities and the State, yet we are allocated the least amount of funding.

Unfortunately, a once lucrative local tax base from timber and associated industries has diminished over the past decades, decreasing our commercial/indus-

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RJShS history bowl JV Team represented oregon in the Small Schools division at the 2024 national history bowl.

Rainier History Bowl JV team earns 4th place

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

trial property revenues and increasing the residential tax burden. While our county is positioned well to attract a future, more diversified local economy, this will take time, so the challenge will be finding ways to prioritize our limited resources to help bridge the gap.

I will leverage my relationships gained with our state legislators and my positions on the NW Area Commission on Transportation and Association of Oregon Counties to lobby for our county’s fair share of state and federal transportation dollars. I will also advocate for any excess county General Fund resources to be prioritized towards roads first before other programs.

The Chronicle & Chief: When hearing from constituents, what are the issues that come up most consistently?

Garrett: The most common concerns I receive are related to road maintenance and repairs, land development permitting processes,

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The St. Helens Garden Club invites all Gold Star Families and donors from Columbia County to join is on Memorial Day at the Veterans Park in Columbia City at 11:00 a.m. as we honor and celebrate all our veterans.

At that time, there will be the dedication of the new Gold Star Memorial Marker, honoring those families whose sons and daughters made the supreme sacrifice for our Freedom.

and dilapidated properties associated with a range of other criminal or undesirable activities.

The Chronicle & Chief:

What do you want the voters of Columbia County to know about you?

Garrett: I was raised outside of Scappoose and am now raising my own family in St. Helens where we’ve lived for nearly 20 years. I’m active in our communities and a dedicated volunteer at local events and non-profit organizations. I take great pride in our county’s history, culture, and future potential. I earned a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University, majoring in Architecture and Construction Project Management. I then went on to work as a construction engineer for a large civil construction company in Southern California before moving back to Columbia County in 2006 to start my own general contracting business. During my time as

a contractor, I successfully completed many industrial, commercial, and residential projects throughout the greater South County area. For the past 10 years I’ve served Columbia County as a Facilities Manager, Director of General Services, and County Commissioner. I also serve as Co-chair of the Association of Oregon Counties Governance/Revenue Committee, President of Columbia Pacific Economic Development District, Vicechair of NW Area Commission on Transportation, and the Board of Directors for Columbia Economic Team and NW Oregon Workforce Consortium. My experience and background have provided me with the knowledge, essential skills, and ability to be an effective County Commissioner. With your support, I will work tirelessly to manage our public resources responsibly and make the absolute most of what we have. I look forward to your confidence and vote to continue to serve.

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year or $0.38 per day. If approved, this levy would raise approximately

According to the event’s website, the Bowl typically attracts more than 250 teams, with more than 1,000 students competing. The History Bowl is different than a bee which is an individual pursuit. The first History Bowl was held in 2011, gaining more participants each year.

Sponsorships to help the team pay for nationals and

The RJSHS History Bowl JV Team has returned from the 2024 National History Bowl and competed well, earning a fourth-place finish in the country in the Small Schools division. There are four students on the JV high school team. They qualified to attend Nationals after winning their second consecutive regional championship at the 2024 Portland Regional History Bee and Bowl. The students competed against schools from around the country at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, VA, on April 28 and 29. History Teacher and trip leader Andrew Demko said the team did a “super job,” and said that the team qualified for an international competition in London in 2025 for being Portland champions this year.

$4,343,929 for police protection services over the 5-year period.

Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District - Renewal of current five-year local option tax for Fire and Emergency Services

Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District is seeking to renew its existing tax levy to continue to fund current staff positions and operations for an additional five years. Growing demands for services have put strain on the district budget and local volunteers to answer the calls. Vernonia Rural Fire Protection District is the smallest fire district in Columbia County, serving 36 square miles. The district responded to 747 emergency and non-emergency calls in 2023. The levy would fund the

other trips, and can be sent to the RJSHS History bowl team at 28170 Old Rainier rd, Rainier, OR 97048. With Memorial Day around the corner, the History Bowl team is accepting “Thank You” cards for veterans. If people are interested in submitting a thank you card, Demko encouraged people to reach out to the Rainier History Club.

For more information: Contact Mr. Demko, Trip Leader, Mrs. Stout Treasurer/Co-Fundraising coordinator, and Mrs. Hanson, Co-Fundraising coordinator at 503-556-4215.

three current career firefighter positions, equipment, and operational costs connected to emergency and wildfire mitigation, prevention, and response. If passed, the emergency services levy would provide annual funding of approximately $431,000 at a cost of $1.24 per $1000 of assessed property value. If the levy does not pass, staffing will be maintained until the current levy expires in 2025. Once the levy has expired, the district will be forced to cut career firefighter positions due to a lack of funding. Further staffing and operational cuts may be required. Find more information at: https://www.columbiacountyor. gov/departments/Elections/ ElectionNotices,

Thank you to all our donors for making this possible, but especially to The St. Helens Elks Lodge #1999, American Legion Post 42, City of Columbia City, the Columbia River PUD, St. Helens Garden Club, and the Oregon Roadside Council.

If you are a Gold Star Family, please let us know before the ceremony so that we may acknowledge you when you arrive at the park. You can do so by emailing chiotti1@ gmail.com or calling 503-3970805. We hope to see everyone on May 27.

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Casey Garrett

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inRoads’ Ceo and President nathan Cox presenting the check to Columbia Pacific Food bank’s executive Director alex Tardif.

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Police RePoRts

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

april 28

• Police arrested a 62-yearold male subject on DUIIintoxicants, reckless driving, and reckless endangering at the 1000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

may 1

• Officers arrested a 26-year-

old male subject for criminal trespass II at the 1600 block of Old Portland Road.

m ay 3

• Police arrested a 40-yearold female subject on DUIIalcohol and reckless driving near Old Portland Road and South 14th Street.

• Officers responded to a fraud case at In-Roads Credit u nion at the 400 block of South Columbia River Highway.

• Police arrested a 38-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at 901 Port Avenue.

• Officers arrested a 32-year-old female subject on a fugitive warrant at 901 Port Avenue.

• Police arrested a 66-yearold female subject on disorderly conduct II, harass -

ment-offensive contact, and reckless endangering at the 1600 block of Wyeth Street.

m ay 4

• Officers arrested a 33-year-old female subject on harassment- offensive contact, and reckless endangering of another person at the 300 block of n orth 16th Street.

m ay 6

• Police took a report of sex abuse at the 5600 block of r aasee Lane.

m ay 8

• Officers arrested an 84-year-old male subject on attempting to elude and reckless driving at the 400 block of 2nd Street.

• Police arrested a 27-yearold female subject on theft

III, and fraudulent use of a credit card at the 100 block of Columbia River Highway. Rainier Police Department

m ay 1

• An officer responded to a false business alarm.

• A citizen called to report a neighbor’s dog that was barking for a prolonged period of time.

• An officer responded to an abandoned vehicle complaint. The vehicle was tagged.

m ay 2

• A caller reported people were harassing him for money after a bad sales transaction. t he reporting party was advised this was a civil issue.

• An officer was requested to check on the welfare of a woman. She was located and ok.

• A driver was reportedly driving erratically in a parking lot. The subject left prior to officer arrival.

• An officer was dispatched to a two-vehicle non-injury motor vehicle accident. Both parties left before law enforcement arrived.

m ay 3

• A citizen lost their keys near the post office.

m ay 4

• A concerned citizen observed a child kicking a seat in the car and thought the circumstances looked suspicious. The child was having a tantrum but was otherwise fine.

• A patron reported being attacked at a bar by two other customers. t he case is pending investigation.

m ay 5

• A motorist lost control of their vehicle, left the roadway, and collided with a house. t he occupants of the vehicle sustained minor injuries, the truck was totaled and the house suffered major damage. No one in the house was injured. Excessive speed was likely a contributing factor to the crash.

m ay 6

• A caller reported a dog at large.

• Another dog was allegedly serenading the neighborhood.

Author to speak at Mental Health Fair

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As part of the 4th Annual NAMIWalks & CCMH Mental Health Fair, a special guest speaker will speak on her new book and the importance of mental health for veterans.

Author Becky Ellis is the daughter of a World War 2 veteran who suffered the traumas of war. She wrote a book about her upbringing titled “Little Avalanches.” Ellis is one of the guest speakers at the event. The mental health fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 18 at McCor-

mick Park in St. Helens, 475 South 18th St. Judy Thompson is the Chairperson for NAMI Columbia County, and she explained what Ellis’ perspective will bring.

“Veterans and their family’s experiences are only those who serve our Country. Becky Ellis’ memoir brings to light the impact of war on Veterans and their families,” Thompson said. “Becky’s Father returned home and became a Physician with all the battlefield trauma that he would carry for a lifetime, and so did his family. All with no understanding of what wartime

trauma does to a person as they survive and try to live the rest of their life.”

The theme of the event is “Mental Health for All,” and the event will feature around 30 organizations setting up with resources and activities to welcome the community and raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

Some of the organizations that will be there are focused on veterans.

Thompson said the Portland Veteran’s Administration, Elks Veterans Bunker, Hometown Heroes Columbia County, and Ellis will be present to offer resources and take time to talk with folks.

“We have thousands of veterans of many wars since, and the trauma remains. We have better awareness and resources to help Veterans and families. It is not only wartime trauma; Becky’s memoir is relatable to any adult child who was raised by parents who experienced trauma,” Thompson said. “Veterans have a higher suicide rate than non-veterans. Coming from isolation to connections is the lifeline for veterans and non-veterans. There will be opportunities for connections at our event.”

Thompson said that many veterans struggle to reckon with the trauma they have experienced, and it

Columbia Chorale of Oregon performing locally

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Columbia Chorale of Oregon and the River City Children’s Choirs will perform their pre-Carnegie Hall concert locally on May 19, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at the Christian Church of St. Helens, 185 S. 12th Street, St. Helens, OR. We invite the public to hear The Magnificat and other

selections by composer John Rutter. Columbia Chorale of Oregon will be performing Magnificat on May 27, 2024 in Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Poetry reading and broadside launch with poet Kathleen Flenniken

Kathleen Flenniken is an award-winning poet who served as Washington State Poet Laureate from 2012–2014. She is author of three poetry collections: Post Romantic (University of Washington Press, 2020), Plume (University of Washington Press, 2012), and Famous (University of Nebraska Press, 2006). This event marks the re-

lease of the fourth broadside to be printed as part of the C.C. Stern Type Foundry’s Pacific Northwest Poets Laureate Broadside Project. The C.C. Stern Type Foundry is an Oregon based 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the heritage of the type casting industry, educating people in the history and current applications of metal type, and creating new letterpress artwork using traditional practices. Registration link: https:// www.metaltype.org/events/ poetry-reading-and-broadside-launch-with-kathleenflenniken.

makes it difficult to “come to any acceptance, compassion, or redemption” for themselves. Finding resources to help cope with these struggles can help lessen the burden they feel.

Ellis’ book delves into a chronological timeline of

what her father and other soldiers lived through with such detail, “one only wonders how anyone comes out this alive and is expected to live a ‘normal’ life.”

The event usually draws around 100 people and Thompson said attendance

has been increasing each year. Thompson said the event’s resources focus on connecting people with services promoting mental health and activities that bring balance to “our wellbeing.”

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The Clatskanie Cultural Center is located at 75 S nehalem Street in Clatskanie.

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becky ellis

Community Events

may 15 Columbia 9-1-1 Communications District board of Directors Special meeting 9 a.m. in person and via Zoom. The agenda will include: Executive Session under orS192.660(2)(h) Legal Counsel. The meeting will begin in open session, we will go into Executive Session and then we will return to open session following and there may be action taken at the conclusion. For questions call 503-397-7255.

may 16 hometown heroes Columbia County meeting 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia County Sheriff’’s Lobby, 901 Port Ave. in St. Helens, Oregon. For questions contact Malinda at 503-366-4611.

may 17 & 18 Raymond Carver Writing Festival This free festival will be held at the Clatskanie Food Hub, the Clatskanie Cultural Center and various locations around Clatskanie. Please see clatskaniearts.org for details.

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.

may 18 2nd annual Columbia River author Festival

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana Street in Longview, Washington. The festival will celebrate over 40 local writers and their books featuring pop-up readings, and extensive book fair, children’s story times and activities, and more. For more information contact the library longviewlibrary. org/918/Author-Festival or call 360-442-5300.

may 18 2024 Dinner & auction

5 p.m. at the St. Helens Senior Center, 375 S. 15th Street in St. Helens. Spend an enchanted evening at the St. Helens Senior Center for a live and silent auction, music and dance, rustic and hearty food, costume contest and more. For more information call 503-397-3377 or stop by the St. Helens Senior Center. Tickets are $25 and available at Topnotch Thrift store or the St. Helens Senior Center. This fundraiser will help fund 50,000+ meals for 2024.

may 18 nami Walks Columbia County & CCmh mental health Fair

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at McCormick Park in St. Helens. Walk registration (no cost) at 9 a.m. Walk and Mental Health Fair starts at 10 a.m. Contact Judy Thompson at 503-3976056.

may 20 Veterans Park Cleanup

10 a.m. The St. Helens Garden Club will be at the Columbia City Veterans Park to help keep the park looking its best. If you would like to volunteer, bring gloves and tools for weeding to the park.

may 21 Columbia River PuD monthly board meeting 6 p.m. in the CRPUD’s Community Room, 64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, OR 97054. 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 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

may 23 “history Connections” 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Scappoose Senior Center, 33342 SW Meadow Drive in Scappoose. This is a free monthly program by the Scappoose Historical Watts House. Guest speaker will be Brandon Sundeen who will be presenting a program about Erik John Peterson, a local logger and

basketry folk art icon.

may 23 blood Drive at the Columbia City Community hall Noon - 5 p.m. at 1850 Second Street in Columbia City. To schedule your appointment or for more information, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

may 25 blessing Woods nature Park & labyrinth 1 p.m. at 35350 E Division Road in St. Helens. Everyone is welcome to attend. For questions call, 503-397-1033.

may 25 introduction to Rock Gardening Workshop

1 p.m. Free workshop with Christine Ebrahami will introduce you to rock gardening and how you can grow amazing alpine and arid plants. Please call 360-4425300 to reserve your spot. All materials will be provided free of charge.

may 27 memorial Day Ceremony

11 a.m. - noon This event is to honor all veterans and will be held at the Columbia City Veterans Park. Free bus service to the event. Park on Second Street near the Caples House Museum or at the CC rider park “n ride in St. Helens. Bus service starts at 9:30 a.m. Vehicular access to the park from Hwy 30 and parking along Hwy 30 will be prohibited. Refreshments will be available compliments of the Mt. St. Helens Chapter of the dar

June 8 annual Kiwanis Daybreakers Secure on Site Shred Day

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. behind State Farm Insurance on Sykes Road and Hwy. 30. $5 per file box donation.

June 8 household hazardous Waste Collection event

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Columbia County Transfer Station, 1601 Railroad Ave. in St. Helens. For questions, please call Jake at 503-397-7259.

June 8 Scappoose Summer outdoor Festival

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. at Heritage park, 52469 Se 2nd St. in Scappoose. Kayaks, backpacking, bikes, vendors, music, food, free outdoor instruction, kid’s activities, Bird Alliance of Oregon, dunk tank, campfire stories, Grande Ronde Dancers, The Famous Scappoose Sauerkraut Sandwich and more. This is event is free.

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 971-7576389.

22nd annual Scappoose Farmers’ market (may 4thSept. 28th)

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 503-728-3608 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 503338-8268.

The Rainier Public 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 503-543-2110.

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 503-397-0116.

This thing called life: A personal reset

My husband and I took three weeks and spoiled ourselves with a trip to France. We took our pleasures sleeping in, touring about, and learning about the culture.

One thing I learned is that breakfast is a difficult meal to get in southern France. Turns out restaurants aren’t about early morning meals there. We spent the last week in Paris where all things/ meals are possible. By the time we returned home, we were ecstatic to sleep in our own beds and, as you’d expect, we were tired.

We go on vacations for a fresh perspective, for rest and reset, but the truth is, we often come back and, say it with me now, “need a vacation from my vacation.” What does one do when life calls and our energy wains? It’s an age old question woven through literature and tradition. We’re humans, we got stuff to do, and we have a certain amount of energy, bandwidth, capacity, whatever… allotted us, and sometimes we need more. The following are some of my tricks and tips on finding energy where you didn’t know there was any.

Biology trumps psychol-

ogy so if you’re finding yourself low on energy and it’s not the obvious culprits (read: I’m tired because I go to bed very late and I’ve been drinking more than usual), we may want to get to the doctor to make sure our living equipment is in good working order. Look, one life, one body, no exceptions, so get the one you have in the best condition you can. Now we’ve addressed the obvious, and physical issues aren’t the reason for your ennui, let’s talk about a vacation in a bottle. Our world consists almost exclusively in what we’re thinking about it. In other words, if we want a vacation, it’s very much a matter of what we’re thinking. One of my clients, a very young woman, recently confided in me that she and her friends’ main pastime is complaining. What a rich field of study! Once I explained we get a very specific kind of energy from complaining, and it’s not the kind of energy that feels good, she was interested in the alternatives. What would you be thinking if you weren’t thinking about things that make you unhappy? If you weren’t scared about money, what trips would you plan? What hobbies would you

create? What meals might you make?

Our brains are funny things. They think. That’s what they do, but we choose what they think. Depending on the topic we choose, our brains then send out all sorts of signals and chemicals in response to those thoughts. How cool is that?

Asking the question of life, “How does it get any better than this?” Puts that fun brain of yours on the path to finding for yourself how life gets better. Tell your brain the destination (dissatisfaction and hopelessness or pleasure and happiness) and your brain makes a path to that thing.

A mental reset can be as simple as allowing ourselves the pleasure of a good day dream. Add some fuel on that fire by having a conversation with others about pleasure, hope and happiness and watch hope spread like wildfire.

What a world it would be if we all took the time for a personal reset. I think I’ll take one now.

Michelle Pierson Young is a Lincoln City life coach. She may be reached at Michelleatplay.com.Oregon State scientists, collaborators say ocean biodiversity work needs improvement.

letteRs to the editoR

Vote Yes St. Helens Police Protection Ballot Measure 5-298

For decades the citizens of St. Helens enjoyed artificially low property taxes because it had at least five, timber-associated industrial plants that paid, through their taxes, an artificially large portion for city-provided services.

In 1997 Oregonians approved Measure 50, a tax limitation measure, which froze property tax rates to then current levels, locking St. Helens citizens into one of the lowest property tax

rates in Oregon. Today, the five lumber/ paper/gypsum mills are gone, as is their large portion of property taxes paying for city services. As a consequence all city services – water, sewer, roads, library, police, etc. - have suffered and fallen behind levels normal for comparable Oregon cities. Facilities are mostly insufficient and personnel are stretched thin.

According to FBI figures and national averages, the St. Helens Police Department should have 36 police officers. The department has 21. St. Helens Ballot Measure 5-298 gives citizens an opportunity to help ease this personnel shortage by fund-

ing four new officers. Though not a panacea, four additional officers will ease the expensive overtime required of the existing force ($309,000 for overtime last year), return a law enforcement presence to our schools, shorten the backlog of domestic violence and assault cases, ensure effective response to any major incident, and maintain 24-hour protection for the City. We no longer have the luxury of industry paying for our services but we do have the ability to improve the safety of our citizenry by voting YES on St. Helens Ballot Measure 5-298.

Lew Mason, St. Helens

MICHELLE YOuNG Chronicle & Chief Guest Column

PINIONObITuARIES

Charles (Chuck) Thomas Ramsdell, The King of Fun, passed peacefully of complications from Parkinson’s Disease on May 3, 2024, surrounded by family, his beloved dog, Pieper, and a view of the Columbia River.

Charles (Chuck) Thomas Ramsdell

Feb. 19, 1946 ~ May 3, 2024

in Vietnam was shot down. While sustaining a broken back and a punctured lung he valiantly saved his copilot and crew from the burning wreckage.

Chuck’s family’s happiness and success was his ultimate life goal. He once said, “I just think about you every day.” Chuck is survived by his overly patient and accepting wife of 57 years, Leslie, who was the love of his life (besides building, racing boats, pickleball and air-chairing). He is also survived by his son Lyle Ramsdell; daughter and sonin-law, Marisa and Matthew Bradley; grandchildren, Raef and Kian Bradley; his older brother and sister, Delmar Ramsdell Junior, and Sandra Valerie Capps.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Donni and Delmar Ramsdell Senior.

Chuck grew up in Salem, Oregon and graduated from South Salem High School, where his parents were both educators and surely kept an eye on their adventurous son. He excelled as an athlete, playing on the tennis team (where he was coached by his father), and later went on to play for the University of Oregon.

After high school, Chuck went to the University of Oregon where he met his future wife. Both Chuck and Leslie were loyal University of Oregon supporters. They met in the dining hall line (Chuck in his robe and slippers, Leslie dressed to the nines), and continued to support the Ducks throughout their years. Whether it was attending Ducks Football games or being dragged to college parties by their crazy children (even though one is a Beaver), they always wore their green and yellow and enjoyed what life served up.

Captain Charles Ramsdell was a decorated US Veteran, who was awarded the Purple Heart for his injury during his heroic actions in the Vietnam War, when the helicopter he was piloting

Following his service in Vietnam, Chuck and Leslie returned to her hometown, where they built PieperRamsdell Insurance Agency alongside Leslie’s father, Lyle Pieper. Chuck was an active community member, participating in the local Kiwanis chapter, serving on the school board, and coaching his children on their various sports teams. In the 80s, he was an avid racquetball player and competed mercilessly. With friends he built the Columbia City Racquetball Club (now known as the Pacific Athletic Club) and a sports-minded community with a tribe of his fellow racquetball enthusiasts. He shared his love of racket sports with Leslie and went on to build a pickleball court at their home, which has become a hub for family and neighbors.

Chuck’s life on the Columbia River was always exciting. As a self-taught innovator, he was often engineering new devices, discovering new games, or introducing a new friend to his playground. He shared

Lynn Loncosky

Jan. 3, 1959 ~ March 17, 2024

his love with his children and grandchildren, teaching valuable life lessons, or making everyone laugh with his antics. Chuck’s inventive spirit, coupled with Leslie’s culinary prowess, created a paradise in Columbia County that was often shared with his friends and family. His infectious strive for fun will be missed dearly. Heartfelt gratitude goes to those friends and medical professionals who have supported Chuck and our family through the years. The Parkinson’s Foundation, Veterans Association and Hospice Nurses gave much comfort and support through the transition from this life to the next, where he is surely riding a jet ski on the Columbia River with a smile so bright it lights up the water. Memorial Donations go to the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (https:// www.oregon.gov/odva/connect/pages/donations.aspx), to support those who have sacrificed a part of their life to make strides to help this global community more peaceful and communicate wisely. A celebration of life memorial will be held from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on June 8, 2024 at the family residence in Columbia City. Bring your stories and wear your Aloha.

Sheryl Lynn Loncosky, a cherished member of the St. Helens, Oregon community, passed away at her home on March 17, 2024, at the age of 65. Sheryl was born on Jan. 3, 1959, in St. Helens, Oregon, to Everal and Carolyn Housley, her loving parents. Sheryl spent her entire life in St. Helens, where she attended and graduated from St. Helens High School in 1977. As a high school student, she volunteered as a Candy Striper at the local hospital, an experience that ignited her passion for healthcare and propelled her interest in pursuing courses in the medical field at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Washington, laying the foundation for her impactful career in healthcare.

contributed her time by substituting in the St. Helens school district, a testament to her unwavering passion for working with children.

(Jesse) Loncosky; her adoring grandchildren; her sister, Tracie Murray; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Sheryl’s life will be held in her honor at 2 p.m. on June 8, 2024, at the Columbia County Fairgrounds, where friends, family, and community members will gather to commemorate the beautiful life of a woman who touched the hearts of many and left an indelible mark on those she encountered.

At a young age, Sheryl met the love of her life, Lloyd Loncosky, whom she married in 1988. Together,

they shared a beautiful journey, raising two children in Columbia City, Oregon. For many years, Sheryl served as a medical assistant at Legacy Health Clinic, dedicating herself to the care and wellbeing of others. Later, she transitioned to the role of assistant school nurse for St. Helens School District until her retirement in 2010. Even after retiring, Sheryl

Fern Mildred

Martin

Sept. 9, 1933 ~ May 6, 2024

Fern Mildred Martin, 90, of Sweet Home, passed away Mon., May 6, 2024. She was born on Sept. 9, 1933 to Violet L. (Fisher) and Chester Hopkins in Minnesota. She came to Oregon at

resident who passed that night and the others who had passed away since the fire and before the project was completed. Elliot thanked the neighboring facility, Spring Meadows Assisted Living Community, and Best Western for helping house residents in the wake of the fire.

Elliot said she was overwhelmed by the positivity of the residents as they met the challenges brought on by the tragedy. She also talked about the continued support of the community as the project took longer than anticipated. Elliot expressed that there were too many people to thank between agencies in the county and

a young age and grew up in Clatskanie. Fern enjoyed gardening and quilting.

She is survived by her children, DD (Jim) Harris, LoraLee (Jim) Neuschwander, Dawn (Steve) Lincoln, and Becky (Blaine) Anders; many grandchildren; and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Clayton Jesse Martin; and son Joel J. Martin. Graveside service was held at 1 p.m. on Mon., May 13, 2024 at Lewis Cemetery. A reception followed at the New Life in Christ Fellowship Activity Center, 1266 44th Ave, Sweet Home. Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. www. sweethomefuneral.com.

city that helped support the organization and its residents. Elliot said that local businesses donated food, that Boy Scout Troop 106 held a donation drive, and community members set up a GoFundMe to raise funds.

Elliot also thanked members of the Elderserv board. Elderserv is the non-profit that helps manage both Spring Meadows Assisted Living and Columbia Hills Retirement Center.

“Both facilities continue to operate as a non-profit. This is something that people don’t realize,” Elliot said. “This is a group of people who come together as volunteers to provide oversight of the buildings.”

Community Effort

Beyond her professional endeavors, Sheryl found solace and joy in spending time at her family’s beach cabin in Ocean Park, Washington, creating cherished memories with family and friends during countless summer days. She treasured her role as a grandmother, delighting in moments spent with her three beautiful grandchildren, Collyns, Phoenix, and Huxton, engaging them in activities like drawing, playing games, and shopping. Sheryl was preceded in death by her father, Everal Housley, and brother-inlaw, Richard Murray. She is survived by her devoted husband, Lloyd Loncosky; her loving mother, Carolyn Housley; her children, Kevin (Carmel) Loncosky and Lisa

Sheryl’s warmth and welcoming nature endeared her to all who knew her, making her a beloved member of the community. Sheryl will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her kindness, compassion, and the enduring impact she had on the lives of those around her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and memories she created in her lifetime.

Both Bailey and Elliot expressed that it was the generosity of the community that helped Columbia Hills and its residents get back on their feet. In addition to cash donations, people donated bedding, shoes, and everyday items for tenants who lost everything in

Sheryl

WILL LoHre / Country MedIa, InC CRFR Chiefs Jerry Cole

eric Smythe after cutting the ribbon on the new

improved a-wing.

Glennis McFarland, 83, of Deer Island, Oregon, passed away in October 2023. Jim McFarland, 86, of Deer Island, Oregon,

Helens Elks Lodge.

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312

Events

Pre-Carnegie Hall choir

Columbia Chorale of Oregon, along with the River City Children’s Choir, present their preCarnegie Hall choir concert on May 19, 2024 at 5:30 pm at Christian Church of St. Helens . 185 S. 12th St., St. Helens, OR. Suggested donations $15 at the door.

502

Help Wanted

*Sales & customer service/ support to our families & Au Pairs * Part-time*100% work-from- home*Independent contractor / 1099 *Must live year-round, within one hour drive time of Portland, OR. LARCoord@goaupair.com or call 888-2872471 and ask for Aarin Tran.

Columbia River PUD is hiring Position Name: System Engineer Salary: System Engineer $44.45 - $63.37/hr DOQ, System Engineer w/- P.E.: $56.13$80.02/hr DOQ. Deadline: Open Until Filled. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Columbia River PUD team, please visit our website at www.crpud.net to view and apply for open positions or call us at 503-3971844 to have an application packet mailed to you.

606

Campers & Trailers

For Sale 24 ft travel trailer, not bad condition. $2000. Please call 503-429- 0115.

Come on all you garage sale peeps We have something for everyone. 33211 Smith Rd, St. Helens. Thurs, 5/16 - Sat. 5/18 (special pricing on Sat.) 8 am - 4 pm. Rain or shine. Furniture, tons of household items, canning, vintage jewelry, sporting equipment, antiques, collectables, clothing, gardening and much more!!!!

MULTI-FAMILY

SALE MAY 17-19 8am4pm 30743 tide creek rd rainier Lots of items come check it out!

706 Estate Sales

Astoria Estate Sale

Mission Oak style furniture, Tiffany style table and floor lamp. Antique glass-front display cabinet. Baby Grand piano $500. Antique Howard Miller grandfather clock. Dining, living and bedroom sets, desk, shelves. Fising gear, sports, European China, crystal,

PubLIC NOTICES

CC24-1155

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, will be held at 230 Strand Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051 in the Foundation Meeting Room. The meeting will take place on May 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. The purpose of the meeting is to re-

CC24-1154

ceive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberations of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee. A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained in person, or at (https:// www.columbiacountyor. gov/departments/Finance).

Notice: Budget Committee Meetings will be conducted as hybrid sessions. In addition to the in person location listed above, the meetings will also be available on the web as follows: https://meet.goto. com/129709213 United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 129-709-213

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department Case

No. 24PB01993 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS

In the Matter of the Estate of Robert Lee George, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that James P. George has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned personal representative in care of the undersigned attorney at: KUENZI LAW LLC 10365 SE Sunnyside Rd Suite 240 Clackamas, OR 97015, within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice, as stated below, or such claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional

information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and published May 21, 2024. James P. George, Personal Representative Sandra Lyon Kuenzi, OSB#134072

Attorney for Personal Representative 10365 SE Sunnyside Rd Suite 240 Clackamas, OR 97015

CC24-1160

NOTICE OF BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING

A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the Columbia River Fire & Rescue, Columbia County, State of Oregon, where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, will be held at 58611 McNulty Way, St. Helens OR 97051. The meeting will take place on June 12, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. If needed, a second meeting will take place on June 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., should the Budget Committee need additional time to approve the budget. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the budget message and bud -

CC24-1136

get document, as well as providing members of the public opportunity to ask questions or comment on the budget document. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.

A copy of the budget document and a link for the upcoming meeting will be made available for review on the District’s website https://www.crfr.com/administrative no later than June 11, 2024. The budget meeting will be a hybrid meeting, with the option to attend in person or via Microsoft Teams. Should you wish to speak during the public hearing portion of the meeting, you may sign up by completing the form on the District’s webpage at crfr.com or calling 48 hours prior to the meeting. Written comments may be provided in advance of the meeting by sending an email to lehnerk@ crfr.com If you desire to participate in the public hearing and are unable to provide written comments at least 48 hours in advance of the public hearing, please contact Kate Lehner, 270 Columbia Blvd, St Helens, OR 97051 (Phone No. 503-397-2990) prior to the scheduled meeting time.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF OREGON PORTLAND DIVISION

In the matter of the Complaint of WCP, Inc., dba Wilsonville Concrete Products as the owner of the Towing Vessel CINDY B, bearing Documentation Number 561814, and her engines, tackles, appurtenances, etc. In a cause for exoneration from or limitation of liability In Admiralty Case No. 3:24-cv00702-YY NOTICE OF COMPLAINT FOR EXONERATION FROM, OR LIMITATION OF, LIABILITY. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that WCP, Inc., dba Wilsonville Concrete Products (hereinafter “Plaintiffin-Limitation”), as owners of the Towing Vessel CINDY B, bearing Documentation Number 561814, and her engines, tackles, appurtenances, etc. (“Vessel”), on April, 24, 2024, filed a Complaint under the Limitation of Liability Act, 46 U.S.C. § 30501 et seq., claiming the right to exoneration from, or limitation

CC24-1152

IN

of liability for all claims, losses, or damages arising out of, resulting from, or in any manner connected with the incident on or about November 12, 2023 on the navigable waters of the United States in or around Clatskanie, Oregon, involving an allision between a barge pushed by the CINDY B and the Port of Columbia County, Oregon’s Port Westward facility (commonly known as the “Beaver Dock”), and involving the Vessel as alleged and for the reasons and because of the circumstances set forth in the Complaint. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that all persons having any such claims must file them, as provided in Rule F of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims, with the Clerk of this Court at the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse, located at 1000 S.W. Third Ave., Portand, OR, 97204, and serve upon or mail to Plaintiff-in-Limitation’s attorneys, Lindsay Hart LLP, 1300 SW Fifth Ave, Suite 3400, Portland, Oregon 97201, a copy of such claim on or before the 31st day of May, 2024, OR BE DEEMED TO BE IN CONTUMACY AND DEFAULT. Personal attendance is not required. Any claimant desiring to contest Plaintiff-in-Limitation’s right to exoneration from, or limitation of, liability must also file an answer to the Complaint on file herein, as required by Rule F(5) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Supplemental Rules for Certain Admiralty and Maritime Claims, and shall serve a copy thereof upon the attorneys for Plaintiff-inLimitation, unless the claim has included an answer. DATED this 25th day of April, 2024. Youlee Yim You, United States Magistrate Judge.

THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA PROBATE

DEPARTMENT

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of MARTHA LOUISE HOLZNAGEL Deceased 2/26/2024. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of this Estate. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present their

CC24-1151

CASE NO. 24PB02920

claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of publication of this notice to the attorney to the personal representative at 2100 SE Lake Rd, Suite 5, Milwaukie OR 97222, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Dated and published: May 15, 2024. Marcus S. Nitsos Personal Representative Appointed on 4/19/2024 Attorney for Personal Representative Eric M. Smith OSB 171410 Barbur Laskey, LLC 2100 SE Lake Rd, Suite 5 Milwaukie, OR 97222 503654-1773

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA

Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of SYLVIA LOU THOMAS, Deceased. Case No. 24PB02643 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

CC24-1150

obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and published on: May 15, 2024. Tammy S. Scamfer, Personal Representative 33875 SE Vine Street Scappoose, OR 97056 Phone: (503) 8063820. Attorney for Personal Representative: Aaron J. Trukositz, OSB No. 204618 Lower Columbia Law Group LLC

NOTICE OF SYSTEM FLUSHING

McNulty Water PUD has contracted with NW Natural Water/Hiland Water to complete flushing the system May 28, 2024,

CC24-1153

Notice: Annual Members Meeting of the Deer Island Drainage Improvement Company To: Property Owners of said Drainage Improvement Company Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of the members of the land situated in the Deer Island Drainage Improvement Company, Columbia County, Oregon will be held on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic and resulting Oregon statutes

through June 6, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact the McNulty office at 503-397-1301.

this meeting will be held virtually. For access information please email didrainage@gmail.com. Purpose of electing one Director and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Each member shall be entitled to one vote in person, or by proxy, in writing and duly signed by the member and presented at the meeting, for each acre of

Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Awareness Month

SubMITTED

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed May as Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Awareness Month in Oregon. May marks the beginning of heightened activity for ticks which last all summer and into the autumn. People and ticks can come into contact with each other, sometimes resulting in dire consequences. Each year over 500,000 in the United States are infected with Lyme disease. According to the CDC estimates, there were 774 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Oregon between 2008 and 2022. Because diagnostic tools are unreliable, the CDC estimates that the actual number of cases is 10 times higher. Even with antibiotic treatment between 16% and 39% of infected people go on to develop chronic symptoms which can make maintaining a job or school difficult. Adding to the problem is the fact that each tick can carry multiple pathogens which can be passed through a bite. Not all people infected with Lyme disease are aware of being bitten by a tick. Ticks in their nymphal stage can be as small as a poppy seed and still transmit pathogens. Only between 70% and 80% report developing the classic erythema migrans (EM) rash, aka as a “bullseye” rash. People of color can have a more difficult time seeing the rash even when it does occur. Early symptoms include “flu” like aches and pains, fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, nausea, and joint pains. Some people develop Bell’s Palsy which is characterized by a drooping or partial paralysis on one side of the face. Chronic symptoms are multi-systemic involving the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, heart and circulation, digestion, reproductive system, and skin. Prevention is key to protecting yourself and your

loved ones. There are several great websites with tons of information on how to keep yourself safe. Here’s a few: TickEncounter, through the University of Rhode Island (https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/); LymeDisease.org; BayAreaLyme.org; and the CDC. Ashley Shambaugh resides in Portland, Oregon and is spreading awareness around Lyme & tick borne diseases in honor of Lyme disease awareness month (May). She became debilitatingly ill in 2020 and later that year tested CDC positive for late stage Lyme disease. Since then it has become her mission to heal and raise critical awareness around this disease as Oregon is a highly outdoorsy state. She wants to let Oregonians know how to protect themselves and their pets! Be tick aware by knowing the signs & symptoms of early Lyme disease, know how to do a tick check and use preventative measures anytime you are outdoors by using tick sprays on clothing & skin. You can follow Ashley on Instagram where she shares her story and awareness around Lyme & TBD (tick borne diseases). Ashley and some Lyme friends got together and helped Oregon with this awareness by making Oregon official with the proclamation signed in by Governor Tina Kotek making May Oregon’s official Lyme disease awareness month!

Preventing tick bites:

• Wear tick-repellent clothing treated with permethrin. Permethrin is odorless, invisible, and when commercially treated, can last through 70 washes.

• Wear light colored clothing that ticks can be seen crawling on. Tuck pant legs into socks to close entry points.

• Check yourself daily for ticks. Ticks can attach anywhere, in particular, they will find spots like: the back

of your knee, around waistbands, inside belly button, between your legs, under armpits, in and around ears, in and around hair, or in any constricted place. Anytime after you have been in tick habitat you should thoroughly check your entire body and remove attached ticks immediately. Once attached, ticks do not wash off easily in the shower.

• The CDC recommends using tick repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), paramenthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Do not use products containing OLE or PMD on children under 3 years old.

• Avoid contact with ticks by avoiding wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter and walking in the center of trails.

• Shower within 2 hours of being outdoors to wash off any unattached ticks.

• Ticks can enter your home on exposed clothing gear, or pets. Clothing should be washed in hot water and/or tumbled in the

dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks. Pets and gear should be closely examined. If a tick found, remove it as you would for a human.

• Talk to your veterinarian about how best to protect your animal family members.

How to safely remove an attached tick:

• Grasp as near to the head as possible with sharp tweezers or a tick remover tool.

• Pull straight out with a steady, even pressure. Do not squeeze or twist the body— this could cause the tick to expel its contents into your bloodstream. Do not cover the tick in soap, alcohol, or any other substance, as this may irritate the tick and also provoke it to expel its contents.

• Clean the area with an alcohol swab.

• Save tick for identification and testing if desired.

• Take a picture of the

tick and upload to TickSpotters/TickEncounter, through the University of Rhode Island for identification and risk assessment.

• Watch the affected area for signs of infection. Initial redness and swelling is common and attributed to the body’s reaction to enzymes in the saliva of the tick. If a rash appears, or the area becomes tender or painful, this could be a sign of infection and medical attention should be sought.

Do not burn the tick, cover the tick with Vaseline or nail polish remover, or squeeze the tick’s body. These could increase the chance of pathogen transmission from tick to host.

Preventing ticks in your yard:

• Keep your grass mowed and your yard clean of leaflitter. Ticks prefer moist shaded areas. Having your grass at the right height will expose ticks to more sunlight repelling them. This can also expose the ticks to insect eating birds. Removing leaflitter will eliminate the moist shaded areas that create an optimal tick habitat. Direct sunlight will create dry hot areas which will in turn repel ticks. Trimming trees will help create direct exposure to the sun and help eliminate the moist areas. Cleaning your yard can reduce the potential of ticks spreading to other areas.

• Remove any woodpiles you may have laying around. Woodpiles can create the perfect habitat for ticks. If you have a woodpile for burning, move the pile away from your house. If you are cleaning up debris from freshly trim trees, eliminate the debris piles quickly after trimming.

• Create a barrier around your yard, house or play equipment with cedar woodchips or gravel. This will reduce tick migration to other areas. Move all play equip-

ment away from the edges of your yard and into direct sunlight. This will reduce the risk of your children coming into contact with ticks but will not entirely eliminate the risk.

• A tick repellent spray can be used in your yard to help decrease the tick population. You can spray the perimeter of your home as a way of protection or the perimeter of your yard. It is best to spray for ticks during peak season, which is usually from spring to fall.

• There are a variety of plants that have been known to repel ticks. Plants such as lavender, garlic, rosemary, sage, mint, eucalyptus and citronella are known to be a natural deterrent of ticks. This method should not be your primary method of eliminating ticks but should be used in conjunction with other methods.

• Steps should be taken to keep tick-carrying wildlife out of your yard. Deer, rabbits, mice, chipmunks, and groundhogs are all hosts that can carry ticks into your yard. A fence is an effective approach, as well as various repellants. It is important to avoid feeding these animals and eliminating their food sources. If you have plants or shrubs that are close to your house, keep them trimmed and spaced out. This will help deter animals from seeking shelter in them.

• A tick tube can be used to target specific small animals, such as mice, to get rid of ticks. You can take a cardboard tube and stuff it with cotton balls soaked with permethrin. Permethrin is one of the leading products used for killing ticks because it is safe for children and dogs. Once the cotton balls are soaked with permethrin, stuff them in the cardboard tube and place the tubes around your property. Small animals will take the cotton balls to make their nests and the permethrin will treat their fur and therefore kill the ticks.

Rotary Student of the Month is Logan Johnston

The Columbia County Rotary Club and St. Helens High School are pleased to honor Logan Johnston as the May Rotary Student of the Month.

Logan’s enthusiasm to learn and his personal drive toward mastering skills and knowledge ensure that he is always at the top of his class.

This is evident by his 3.98 GPA and by earning his Honors Diploma. His teachers commented that it is such a pleasure to be able to assign a student a challenging task and know that they will complete the task on time and with exceptional quality. Logan’s leadership potential is undeniable. He has a knack for problem-solving, using his past experiences, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills to devise

practical solutions. His social skills are equally impressive, with his kindness, calm demeanor, and subtle sense of humor endearing him to his peers and teachers. He effortlessly guides his peers, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. His all-around excellence was recognized when he was named the March athlete of the month for boys golf.

Logan’s character is truly admirable. His kindness

and conscientiousness are not just words but values he lives by. He sees the best in others and treats everyone with respect, fostering a friendly environment. While he leads with kindness, he also sets high standards for himself and others. Logan’s future plans include attending Portland Community College and exploring a career in the trades, a testament to his practicality and ambition.

ACROSS

1. Country alliance

5. Fish of liver oil fame

8. *Stinging pollinator

11. Prefix in levorotary

12. *Dark home to #33 Down

13. Sudden growth

15. Like certain Steven

16. Symphony member

17. Type of feather

18. *Comfy seat (2 words)

20. Don’t put these into one basket?

21. Full nelson is ____ wrestling ____

22. Santa ____, Orange County

23. Puts down

26. Et cetera (3 words)

30. Pen point

31. With signs of wear and tear

34. Beyond natural, in U.K.

35. Messes up

37. Chitchat

38. Willow twig

39. Evening purse

40. Win a race

42. Tucker of “Modern Family”

43. Army bathroom

45. Eucharist plates

47. Opposite of WSW

48. French composer Erik

Alfred Leslie ____

50. “Back to the Future” antagonist

52. *Beatle with Wings

56. Poodle minus d

57. England’s medieval royal house

58. Rabbit’s cousin

59. Nymph chaser

60. Genealogist’s creation

61. Blackhearted

62. George Gershwin’s brother

63. “For ____ a jolly...”

64. It often goes with a rod

DOWN

1. What the Big Bad Wolf did

2. First name in jeans

3. “Pop it in the ____!”

4. Cuban drums

5. Secret clique

6. Roundish

7. Chronic wasting disease carrier

8. Plug for a barrel

9. *As opposed to urns 10. Pilot’s estimate, acr. 12. Herb for treating menopausal symptoms

13. Shop till you drop, e.g.

14. *Flying stallion

19. “The Queen’s Gambit” game

Take your pick

*Biblical Gabriel, e.g.

All plants and animals

Approximately

Shortened word, abbr.

Drink request 28. Home to largest mammal 29. Socially acceptable behaviors 32. Malaria symptom 33.

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ashley Shambaugh holding the governor’s proclamation.

COURTESY PHOTO FROM ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT logan Johnston

Sea Lions Swim Team unveil new brand

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LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Youth swimmers in Columbia County have a new look, as the county’s only year-round competitive swim club unveiled a new logo at Eisenschmidt Pool during the team’s annual Swim-a-thon fundraiser.

The Columbia County Sea Lions Swim Team is almost 50 years old, and the team determined it was time to retire the decades-old logo and modernize the team’s identity to better represent today’s swimmers.

The Sea Lions Swim Team is made up of 35 swimmers, ages 9-19 years old, according to Sea Lions Swim Team Head Coach Katie Miller.

The unveiling took place on May 7, with Sea Lions swimmers, ages 10-18 years old, diving into the pool to retrieve a floating capsule filled with custom bag tags to reveal their new team logo.

“I was shocked with the new logo,” longtime Sea Lions swimmer Emma Jeppesen said. “It looks incredibly fresh and modern. It really feels like it showcases a new era of the Sea Lions. This team is like a family, so the new motto is very fitting. I cannot wait to see where the team goes in the future!”

The sea lion design was completed by a Los Angeles-

based design agency, Gridiron Labs, which specializes in sports brands. Gridiron Labs owner Dane Storrusten customized the logo, going for a stronger-looking sea lion and a brand identity with the theme “We not me.”

“This is so much more than a logo, this is truly about opening a new chapter of swimming for our team,” Miller said. “As some of our county’s most talented and competitive swimmers, this new identity reflects our strength, dedication and yet gives a nod to our history of swimming.”

The new brand was revealed at the team’s largest annual fundraising event of the year, Swim-a-thon. Swimmers collectively completed more than 4,696 pool lengths - 66 miles - in two hours of swimming. That is the equivalent distance of St. Helens to Astoria.

The makeup of the team has roots all over the county, though they primarily

practice and meet at Eisenschmidt Pool in St. Helens.

While Scappoose and St. Helens are the primary towns in which our swimmers live, we do have swimmers from all over Columbia County and even from Longview, who are united in their dedication to the sport and improving,” Miller said.

“Our swimmers are often multi-sport athletes who balance swimming with their school-sponsored seasonal sports.”

The Sea Lions will compete with their new brand identity at a regional meet in June. According to orga-

STAFF REPORT

nizers, the team is gaining momentum and has already competed in three meets this year, with three more scheduled over the summer. The team expects to compete in more than ten meets by the end of the year.

“We are a year-round club team, with the year broken into ‘Short Course’ (yard length pools) and ‘Long Course’ (meter length pools) seasons,” Miller said. “We are currently in the beginning of our long course season.”

The team will hold open tryouts in early June for Columbia County youth interested in swimming. Miller

said swimmers are typically level 7 in the American Red Cross “Learn to Swim” program (provided by Eisenschmidt Pool). However, they encourage everyone who is interested to participate in tryouts. At tryouts, swimmers will be asked to demonstrate their ability to do the four main competition strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). Tryouts take about 15 minutes with our coaches and are done in a supportive and encouraging environment, according to Miller.

“Our next round of

tryouts will be the first week of June (3-6) from 4:45-5 p.m. each day,” Miller said. “Those wanting to try out will just need to pick one day to attend. If they have any questions they can reach out to the coaches via the “Contact Us” link on our website.” The Sea Lions Swim Team is a non-profit governed by USA Swimming. Visit www.slst.biz or follow @SeaLionsSwimTeam on Facebook to learn more about the team’s events. The coaches can be reached at this link: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/orslst/ page/system/contactus).

Scappoose High School recognized with Gold Council Award Tigers on the track

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Congrats to the following track athletes who have qualified for the state championships: Ayden Blackshire (4X100 relay) Ryder Gorley (300M hurdles & 4X100 relay), Noah Raschi (4X100 relay), Jaxson Watson (4X100 relay) and Lacey Willis (High Jump & 400M).

SHPD

station, new location needed

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is now the main priority.

Councilor Russell Hubbard was a member of the St. Helens Planning Commission, which flagged the building of the station in a floodplain as an issue in 2023. Hubbard said that mitigation at the Kaster Road site would cost money, and he was never in favor of the site.

Mayor Rick Scholl was not present on the Zoom call for the special session, but the motion to deny the permit passed 4-0 with Hubbard, Chilton, Gundersen, and Sundeen all voting to deny the conditional use permit.

This development comes after months of limbo for the facility after an appeal was filed with the State Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King said the council will need to discuss alternate site locations and give city staff direction regarding a new location. A discussion will likely take place at the Wednesday, May 15 work session. When asked what other locations may be considered, King did not offer specifics on where the station may be placed. The development marks an interruption in the slow-going process of replacing the aging police station located at 150 S 13th Street. Designs for the station were all but finalized for the location at the intersection of Old Portland Road and Kaster Road, but the city will now need to find a new home for the station. One factor the council will be considering in the new location is finding a place where they can retain the “existing design to the largest extent possible on a new site.”

St. Helens resident Steven Toschi filed the land use appeal to LUBA, and the appeal was resolved in a settlement with the city. The Chronicle & Chief spoke with Toschi following the

council’s decision to deny the permit for the station, and he said the outcome is a positive for the community.

“I think that this is a big win for the citizens of St. Helens. We are going to get a public safety facility that does not have the floodplain concerns that were part of this site,” Toschi said. “The right outcome for our people occurred.”

Toschi said the decision is also a win for the city council. Toschi said that settlements are about reassessing prior positions and making decisions based off of information presented. Toschi said that the settlement with the city was a result of collaboration.

“There is a tendency for elected officials to not want to take a look and reexamine. In this case, they did, and I think that is great,” Toschi said. “They decided to go in a different direction, which I think shows tremendous courage. I commend each and every one of them for doing it.”

King described what the next steps for the city will be.

“A new location will first need to be selected,” King said. “The existing design will then need to be reviewed to make sure it is compatible with the new site before it is submitted through the land use process.”

Background

A conditional use permit was granted for the site by the council in October 2023, despite concerns being raised about the placement of the facility in a 500-year floodplain.

The decision to approve the conditional use permit came after the St. Helens Planning Commission denied it in September 2023. The basis for the denial of the permit was that a portion of the property where the police station was set to be placed falls in the boundary of both a 100-year and 500year floodplain.

Under St. Helens city code, a “critical facility” means “a facility for which even a slight chance of flooding may be too great.”

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Scappoose High School is one of 21 high schools and five middle schools in the state that received recognition as a high-achieving leadership program.

Scappoose High School was awarded a Gold Council Award at the OASC Spring Leadership Conference on April 27. The award, sponsored by the Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC), sets high standards

Critical facilities include schools, nursing homes, hospitals, police, fire, emergency service installations, and installations that produce, use, or store hazardous materials. Within the city’s code, construction of a “critical facility” can only be initiated if there is no feasible alternative site is available.”

Of note, the building

for student councils and leadership programs and honors them if they can reach or exceed these goals.

The leadership programs begin by setting goals in the fall and actively participating in leadership activities and events throughout the year. In order to receive the award, programs must create and encourage activities that promote inclusivity among all students at the school and provide a series of events that include a variety of different areas/disciplines in the school.

Along with involvement in the school, they must also demonstrate that they are gaining valuable leadership and professional skills that they can take with them outside of school.

“One of the most important lessons we’ve learned supporting our youth leaders is that leadership is not an exclusive attribute– our student leaders are in every corner of Oregon’s schools. They directly affect the climate and culture of their schools, often

extending their influence into the community and beyond. The programs awarded this level of recognition have exhibited how their student leaders show an incredible level of commitment to servant leadership. They have included their peers in school activities, developed and implemented impactful events for their community, and maintained a positive and creative approach to improving their school environment,” OASC Executive Director Miles Palacios said.

itself was not planned to be in the 100-year floodplain, but access to the facility would be at risk because Kaster Road and Old Portland Road fall within the floodplain boundaries. The building would be partially in the 500-year floodplain, but the facility is designed to be elevated two feet above the projected 500-year flood level. In rebuttal to these issues, city staff cited that the buidling itself will not be in the flood plane because the site will be elevated above the affected area. The rebuttal also stated that the secondary ingress and egress would be outside of the flood plane as well. With the settlement reached between the Toschis and the city, the city ultimately decided not to continue the process with LUBA to get site approval.

The project seeks to address the issue of the outdated police station that currently houses the St. Helens Police Department at 150 S 13th Street. The 2,200-square-foot building was constructed in 1971.

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Swimmers retrieving the floating capsule with the new logo in it.

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Swimmers taking on the Swim-a-thon at eisenchmidt Pool.

CourteSy pHoto The new Sea lions logo, designed by Gridiron labs.