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Clatskanie budget’s big increase

T he end of the fiscal year is fast approaching, and governmental agencies around Columbia County are wrapping up their budget cycles. Clatskanie’s budget has ballooned this year as a result of an influx of funding for the city’s sewer plant project.

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief reached out to Clatskanie City Manager Greg Hinkelman for more information about what citizens can expect from this year’s budget.

The significant change from last year is the over $20 million increase in the budget. This year’s budget is $29,740,178, well above last year’s $8,732,186. Hinkelman explained the reason for the jump.

“The big number includes projected funds we are anticipating to get from the State Revolving Fund and includes the already-received ARPA money to build our new sewer plant,” Hinkelman said.

“Take away the sewer plant monies, and our budget is pretty much status quo.”

The city will not be cutting or adding any positions this year, though Hinkelman was glad to say that the city is now fully staffed after hiring candidates for two much-needed positions.

“We will soon be fully staffed as we have managed to find and hire a new Sewer Treatment Plant Operator who will start in a

couple of weeks. We have been without a proper plant operator for almost two years. We are very excited to bring him on board,” Hinkelman said. “We have also hired a new public works director who started a couple of weeks ago. He is working out great.”

Filling these two positions is an accomplishment for the city and was one of the goals that Hinkelman outlined in January.

One of the significant changes in this year’s budget is what the city has allotted for law enforcement services, which the city contracts from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

“One big change is to fund three sheriff’s office deputies at 100%,” Hinkelman said.

Clatskanie is now budgeting to fund all three CCSO deputy positions entirely, as opposed to the old split, which was covered 85% by the city and 15% by CCSO. Despite the increased budgeted law enforcement expenses, Hinkelman said the town has a solid fiscal shape.

“The city continues to be in good shape financially, and we have a big project about to go to bid with the new sewer plant,” Hinkelman said.

Follow developments and updated coverage at thechiefnews. com, thechronicleonline.com, and in the Wednesday print editions of The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief.

St. Helens awards letter of intent for events coordinator

The City of St. Helens has taken the next step in trying to select a new events coordinator, with the council voting to approve a notice of intent to award for Treadway Events & Entertainment LLC. The notice of intent to award begins the negotiation with the selected contractor candidate and also opens a seven-day “objection period.” The council made the unanimous decision at a special session on June 17 after hearing presentations from two finalists who submitted proposals as part of the city’s request for proposal (RFP) process.

To clear up controversy surrounding the tourism contract, the city put out an RFP for event management services on Apr. 22. The closing date for the RFP was May 22. “The intent of this RFP process is to award a contract and have an

event management services contractor on board to plan and execute 2024 Spirit of Halloweentown events,” St. Helens Communications Officer Crystal King said.

Current event contractor Tina Curry of E2C Corp. has been the driving force behind much of St. Helens tourism and has contracted with the city in that role since 2017.

Community members and councilors have credited her with making the Spirit of Halloweentown the large scale event it is today. The contract is set to expire on Jun. 30.

During the presentation, the council heard and asked questions of Portland-based Treadway Events and local company Cascadia Glamping, who were the finalists of the RFP process. The council scored the presentations using a points system: 50 points for the presentation and 10 points for each of the nine questions the council asked. The maximum points would be 140 points.

See ST. HELENS, Page A10

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ina Harrington has spent a lot of time in the water in Columbia County, and for much of her life, she’s spent it helping other people enjoy the water as well. Now, after almost four decades, she’s retiring.

Harrington got her first paid swim teaching gig when she was 11.

“I was babysitting, and the lady whose daughter I was babysitting said that I could take her up to the pool and give her some swim lessons,” Harrington said.

Harrington grew up in St. Helens, and her best memories of her childhood were spent at the community pool or on the river with her family. She can still remember catching Herb Eisenschmidt’s attention when she was just a kid in the wading pool.

“Mr. Eisenschmidt was walking past on deck, and I was in the wading pool with my hands on the bottom and my legs out behind me kicking, and I said, ‘Mr. E., Mr. E, look at me I can swim,’” Harrington recounted. “And he looked at my mom and he said, ‘You better get that girl some swim lessons.’”

Harrington started swimming with teams when she was about seven or eight years old. She gave up swimming competitively for a couple of years before returning to the pool swimming and taking up springboard diving.

When she went on to college, Harrington continued taking classes in aquatics. She got her Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification in her last year at OCE, and began teaching in 1979. After another year of college at Eastern Oregon, Harrington moved back to St. Helens for good, teaching swim lessons for the school district at Eisenschmidt Pool.

“I taught lessons for the school district for a number of years, then took a little break,” Harrington said. “I was asked if I wanted to coach the novice group of the Sea lions.”

This was in 1992. Harrington spent the next six years coaching

with the program until taking a break in 1998. She returned in 2001 and remained until 2022. During that time, she was also the novice coach for St. Helens High School, from 2004 until about 2014, she said.

Eisenschmidt, which was her own childhood pool, Pacific Athletic Club, and even private residences, have all been places Harrington has taught. Harrington has spent nearly 40 years coaching and teaching kids

and young adults to swim. Even when the world shut down during the pandemic, she was still helping others find their stroke.

“During the pandemic, I was given the opportunity to teach at a private residence using a couples pool. During the pandemic, I was able to work with a number of families, and it made my life during the pandemic seem much better because it was a lot more normal than

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Clatskanie City Hall, located at 75 South Nehalem Street.

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JEREMY C. RUARK / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

The iconic “Pumpkin King” statue is a staple each year during Halloweentown.

Clatskanie School District offering kids free summer meals

The meals will be available at:

• Clatskanie Elelmentay School at 815 Nehalem St. Clatskanie OR 97016

in the months when school isn’t in session, the Clatskanie School District has free meals available to children 1-18 this summer.

Clatskanie School District will be offering summer meals at Clatskanie Elementary School and Clatskanie Middle/High School beginning on July 1, Superintendent Danielle Hudson and the district announced on Facebook.

During weekdays this summer, a national program will fund free, locally-made lunches for kids. The free lunches will be available at over 800 locations throughout Oregon. Meal sites are at libraries, public parks, and schools, with many havingfun activities for kids.

• Clatskanie Middle/High School at 471 Bel Air Dr. Clatskanie OR 97016

Service times for both locations: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The program will also aim to offer transportation from hub locations to the schools for children ages 1-18.

The following are “bus hub sites” where students and their parents can catch a ride to access meals:

• City Park

• Trotter Road / Bottom of Cedar Grove Road/Bottom of Olson Road and points in between there and town

• Taylorville / Westport Christian Center/points in between there and town

• Quincy Firehouse and points in between there and town

About Summer Meals

The Summer Food Service Program, also known as “Summer Meals,” is available in hundreds of communities throughout Oregon, offering free meals and snacks to all kids 1-18, according to the Oregon Department of Education.

Community summer meal programs are open to all families without paperwork or income verification, regardless of immigration status. To receive a meal, kids can just drop in during a site’s designated meal times. Many programs also offer fun activities so kids can stay active and keep learning.

More information

In order to plan for meals

and transportation needs, we are asking families to complete this survey: https:// docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSftO3USC QrCdd7DnD_QVapN-

2n5Vb3ENy3VnNIJskKnAl WZal4FsaqGlLjlY5zZTuvpy sr1jU4NsoY2_g_aem_a9lB-

If you have any questions, tion Services Coordinator) at 503-728-2191 ext. 2411 or hcruz@csd.k12.or.us.

SHMS athletes honored with John Beck Memorial Award

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The Annual John Beck Memorial Award winners have been announced! The award recognizes two middle school athletes for their prowess on the field and character off it and supports their continued participation in sports at the high school level.

This year’s winners were

Swimming

into the sunset

From Page A1

other people’s lives were,” Harrington said. “In the last month, I have thanked one of the families that I got to work with because I probably helped them, but they certainly helped me.”

Leaving a legacy

Harrington has been all around the club and high school scene for a long time, and it’s getting to the point now where she’s working with kids whose parents were taught by her.

“I have one third-generation family, and the daughter is now teaching. She’s taking the legacy forward. And I have a number of secondgeneration families that I’ve given swim lessons to,” Harrington said. “The fact that these kids, when they grew up, and had children of their own, thought enough of their swim experience with me to want me to teach their children.” Harrington still credits Herb Eisenschmidt for helping her discover her passion.

“Mr. E gave me the best gift in the world by helping my love of swim come forward. I’ve known his family for a long time, I gave some of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren swim lessons,” Harrington said. “I can never repay him for the gift that was given to me, but if I can keep the legacy going forward, which I believe I have because I have people that are teaching that I taught.”

Teaching swimming is something she’s passed down to her own kids. Though

Sarah Cobabe and Noah Bigham. The awards were presented to Cobabe and Bigham at a St. Helens Middle School (SMHS) assembly June 14. St. Helens Middle School Athletic Director Alan Holinbeck has revitalized the award in recent years, but the award has a legacy award dating back to 1968 that celebrates some of the best student-athletes at St. Helens

they are in different professions now, Harrington’s two daughters both taught swimming before starting their careers.

Harrington said she’s had the privilege of teaching and coaching people who have gone on to do great things in the water. One example she gave is a student who has gone on to be a rescue swimmer for the United States Navy. When he started, he didn’t quite swim; he was more of a “thrasher.”

“Taking someone who started out being a thrasher and ended up being a rescue swimmer in the Navy is pretty fun,” Harrington said. “I was actually messaging him today.”

When asked what has changed the most from when she was growing up in St. Helens with regard to

Middle School moving on to high school.

The award is a remembrance of John Beck, a local teen who tragically died in a head-on collision on May 20, 1968. Beck was a formidable athlete who competed in multiple sports and was an exemplary student and community member. Holinbeck has been managing the award since 2019.

Last year’s winners, Nate Peau and Jadyn Pense, presented the awards. Both Peau and Pense have continued their athletic excellence in their first years of high school athletics. Peau won a high school state championship with Central Catholic during the fall, and Pense won a state championship in wrestling as a freshman.

Staff Sergeant Marcus McCain was a special guest at the assembly. Holinbeck said that his father was Mike McCain, who was the second winner of the award. Marcus McCain showed up with his wife Melissa and his mom Christine, Mike’s widow. Holinbeck said that the presentation of this year’s award was in Mike McCain’s honor and thanked Marcus for his service.

This year’s other finalists were:

Nora Dame Larry Miller Karley Siemienczuk

swimming, Harrington said availability and affordability came to mind.

When she was young, there were free swim lessons because people were drowning in the Columbia River. The Eisenschmidt Pool was built in part to prevent further loss of life through education in swimming. Harrington said she wishes there were more facilities around where people could swim.

As she steps back from her career in teaching and coaching, Harrington expressed gratitude to the community for their support through the years.

“I just thank everyone who trusted me with their kids. That’s huge, and I took it very seriously,” Harrington said. “Safety is number one, but fun is right next to it.”

Though each was a deserving candidate, Bigham and Cobabe ultimately took home the recognition. Bigham captained both the football and basketball teams at SHMS, and was a standout athlete in the track and field program. Diagnosed with diabetes in 2019, Holinbeck said he has “persevered” with a great attitude while also supporting other diabetics with “education and inspiration.”

Cobabe was a strong athlete competing in cross country, track and field, and wrestling. She is second all-time for SHMS in the 3000m event and is already practicing with St. Helens High School’s wrestling and cross-country teams. She

was also elected freshman class president for next year.

About the John Beck Memorial Award

The award was presented for the first time to Dan Durbin in 1969. For a period from 1983 until about 1999, the award lay dormant. The award became revitalized through the work of Jim and Tom Linares in the late ‘90s, and the financial component was introduced, according to Holinbeck. Since then, the award has been given out each year.

According to Holinbeck, Beck was a person who was always putting others before himself. Winners of the award are not only tremendous athletes but also excel in their academics and

embody the character that Beck had. Coaches submit nominations of the athletes they feel deserve the award. Though the award is a great honor, there is also a financial component to the prize, made possible through the Student Foundation. Winners receive $600 to help support athletes’ continued athletic success through their four years of high school. A Student Foundation committee disperses the funds, monitors that the athletes are making good use of their award money, and ensures they get reimbursed. The award remains a special tribute and honor for those students who have shown a commitment to their community, athletics, and schooling for years to come.

Kellen Wroblewski

COURTESY PHOTOS FROM ALAN HOLINBECK

Sarah Cobabe and Noah Bigham with their John Beck Memorial Award certificates.

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

May 25

• Police arrested a 58-year-old male subject on unlawful use of a weapon, menacing, harassment, disorderly conduct II, criminal trespass II, and criminal mischief II at the 300 block of 5th Street.

May 26

• Officers arrested a 28-yearold male subject on DUII and reckless driving near Columbia River Highway and Firlock.

May 27

• Police arrested a 50-yearold male subject on DUII and reckless driving near Columbia River Highway and Gable Road.

• Officers arrested a 33-yearold male subject on theft III at the 200 block of 18th Street.

May 29

• Officers arrested a 26-yearold female subject on DUII and reckless driving at the 1700 block of Old Portland Road.

May 30

• Police arrested a 26-year-

old male subject on a fugitive warrant near 19th and West Street.

May 31

• Officers arrested a 23-yearold male subject on DUII, reckless driving, and reckless endangering near Columbia Boulevard and Matzen Street.

June 1

• Officers arrested a 31-yearold male subject on DUII and reckless driving near Columbia Boulevard and North 18th Street.

• Police arrested a 43-yearold male subject on harassment-offensive physical contact and strangulation at the 300 block of North 8th Street.

June 3

• Police arrested a 28-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of South 18th Street.

June 4

• Officers responded to a stolen/damage call at the 300 block of North 17th Street.

• Police responded to a report of a missing person at the 700 block of Cowlitz Street.

• Officers arrested a 46-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Police responded to an animal problem at the 100 block of South 9th Street.

June 5

• Officers responded to a traffic crash at South Co-

lumbia Boulevard and Sykes Road.

• Police arrested a 41-yearold female subject for theft II at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Officers responded to a traffic crash that injured a pedestrian at South Columbia River Highway and Sykes Road.

June 6

• Police arrested a 36-yearold male subject for theft IIIshoplifting at the 200 block of Brayden Street.

• Police responded to a death investigation at the 2000 block of Gable Road.

• Officers arrested a 40-yearold male subject for theft III at the 1000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

June 7

• Officers arrested a 49-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 400 block of 18th Street.

• Police arrested a 33-yearold female subject on criminal trespass at the 1600 block of Old Portland Road.

• Police arrested a male subject for DUII and reckless driving at Old Portland Road.

June 8

• Officers responded to a sex abuse case at the 5000 block of Parkwood Drive.

• Police arrested a male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 100 block of North Vernonia.

June 9

• Officers arrested a 28-yearold male subject on a fugitive

Warrant, possession of controlled substance-cocaine andpossession of controlled substance-methamphetamine near Old Portland Road and Railroad Ave.

June 10

• Police arrested a 63-yearold male subject on violation of a restraining order at 700 Matzen Street.

June 12

• Officers arrested a 27-yearold male subject on a detainer at the 2500 block of Columbia Boulevard.

• Police arrested a 37-yearold male subject on a detainer and possession of controlled substance-methamphetamine at the 2000 block of Columbia Boulevard.

Rainier Police Department

June 1

• Received ongoing complaint regarding barking dog.

• A business owner requested that unwanted persons be trespassed from their establishment.

• Report of a suspicious person on the bridge standing on the rail. Upon contact, it was determined that the person was a utility worker in the construction zone.

June 2

• A resident on West D Street reported their house had been ‘egged.’

• A motorist reported that the brakes on their car failed resulting in a single vehicle, non-injury accident near the

bridge.

• A residential burglary was reported on West 5th Street.

June 3

• A homeless camp was reported on Mill Street.

• People reported being victims of a skimming device. The victims had their funds drained on their EBT cards.

• A resident reported not receiving merchandise they ordered.

• A citizen reported their dog missing. The dog was later found and reunited with the owner.

June 4

• A vehicle rolled down a hill and into a yard. The owners removed the vehicle.

• An employee reported a suspicious vehicle in their parking lot that had been there for an extended period of time. The motorist was contacted, and they left the area.

• A caller reported a small dog running in and out of traffic. The pup was able to elude officers.

• An officer responded to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident on E C Street. No citations were issued.

June 5

• An unwanted subject was trespassed from a local business.

• Officers were dispatched to a report of a fight at the park.

A woman was issued a criminal citation for assaulting a man known to her. Alcohol may have been a contributing factor.

• Complaint of a barking dog on Old Rainier Road.

June 6

• A concerned citizen reported a man slumped over on a bike on the bridge. An officer went to check on him, but he was no longer there.

• Two parties each accused the other of harassment. It was deemed to be a misunderstanding.

• A set of keys were turned in as found property. The owner came in and claimed his property.

• A caller reported seeing two kids throwing rocks at passing vehicles. An officer responded, but no one was in the area.

• An officer responded to a false business alarm.

• A passerby reported seeing a woman acting erratically on the bridge. An officer performed an area check and was unable to locate the subject.

June 7

• An officer responded to a business alarm. The building was secure.

• An officer responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a rock truck and a pickup truck. Approximately 50 gallons of diesel was spilled on the highway requiring clean up. One driver was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.

• A caller reported that a ‘houseless’ looking man appeared to be ‘dragging’ his dog by the leash across the bridge. No one was in the area.

Drug-Free Pep Rallies educate county youth

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Columbia County Public Health, in partnership with the Opioid Response Network (ORN), recently held a successful series of nine Drug-Free Pep Rallies focused on overdose prevention, vaping, and marijuana education. These events were held at various schools across the county and engaged students in crucial substance use prevention and education activities.

The rallies, which took place from May 6-10, featured numerous community speakers, including representatives from Columbia Health Services, Youth Era, Vernonia Police Department, Columbia River Fire and Rescue, St. Helens Police Department, Sauvie Island Fire District, OHSU, local coaches, chaplains, Commissioners Kellie Jo Smith and Margaret Magruder, as well as school administrators, staff, teachers, and nurses. Columbia County Public Health appreciates the support from community partners to make these pep rallies a success. The nine Drug-Free Pep Rallies focused on three main areas: overdose prevention, vaping/nicotine, and cannabis/dabbing. These rallies were designed to engage students while providing targeted drug education and prevention. It was the objective of the rallies to promote a sense of community among students and to provide them with information regarding local resources.

“It was an honor to be part of the Drug-Free Pep Rallies and see firsthand the positive impact they have on our youth,” Columbia County Commissioner Kellie Jo Smith said. “These events are crucial for educating our students about the dangers of drug use and providing them with the resources they need to make healthy choices. Columbia County is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote our community’s well-being, and I am grateful to all the organizers and participants who made these rallies a success.”

Participating schools included Vernonia (5th12th grades), Clatskanie (7th-10th grades), Sauvie Island (5th-7th grades), St.

Helens Middle School (6th8th grades), and Rainier/ Hudson Park Elementary (5th-12th grades).

Jim Helmen, Superintendent for the Vernonia School District, also shared his gratitude: “The Vernonia School District extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Columbia County Public Health Department and Jerria Martin—Opioid Response Network for their unwavering support in empowering our students from grades 5-12 to lead drugfree lives. Your contribution has been instrumental in shaping a brighter future for our youth, and we are truly grateful for your partnership.” Key organizers for this year’s Drug-Free

Pep Rallies include Jessica Kosydar, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator; Haley Schimmel, Health Promotion Specialist; Jerria Martin, ORN Consultant; and Sarah Cavanese, ORN Technology Transfer Specialist.

“These rallies represent Columbia County’s ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its students, providing them with the knowledge and support they need to make positive choices for their futures,” Kosydar said.

For more information about Columbia County Public Health and its initiatives, please visit Columbia County Public Health Website.

COURTESY PHOTO Jerria Martin, Opioid Response Network (ORN) Consultant, energizes the crowd at a Vernonia Pep Rally.

COURTESY PHOTO Community members join Columbia County Public Health staff at Pep Rallies in Vernonia.

COURTESY PHOTO

Students participate in the “Escape the Vape” activity at a Pep Rally in Rainier.

GARDEN PLOTS

Corn crops and controlling summer bugs

CHIP BUBL Garden Plots

Chronicle & Chief Guest Column

The Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting has been canceled for July since it would have been on July 4.

It’s not too late to plant corn

Vegetable gardening has moved in fits and starts this year. Some gardeners, depending on your location, might consider planting short-season corn like “Sugar Buns.” These take about 70 days to maturity corn. You don’t have to do that this year if you get the corn in the ground this week. Longer season corn should be alright. Some things to remember:

• Plant enough seed in the rows so you can thin down to 8-10 inches between corn plants. If you plant too little seed and something goes wrong, you might not have enough corn plants for a decent row. Our newer super sweet corns aren’t quite as good at germinating in adverse conditions.

• Crow love corn. Find some way to protect the emerging seedlings if there are crows in your neighborhood. Don’t let the crows thin for you. They don’t have your interests at heart. Row covers work well.

• Space your rows 30 to 36 inches apart and plant in blocks.

• Fertilize before you plant.

• Thin the corn when it 3-5 inches high. Control the weeds in the corn row.

Horsetail or equisetum is a gardener’s nightmare

Horsetail emerges from the ground looking something like asparagus. It spreads from underground roots and from spores released as the plant matures. Sadly, it is the worst of all weeds, an herbaceous perennial. It gives every indication ofdying in the fall, but that is a ruse. It returns from the root system next year and for every year thereafter unless you make it miserable. Equally sadly, it is very hard to make horsetail miserable. Continuous pulling will reduce its vigor, but don’t plan any vacations. Plant-

ing heavy sod over horsetail tends to reduce its vigor as well. Heavy weed barriers provide temporary control but the plants will emerge at the edges. Horsetail will go right through the thinner weed barriers (and sometimes concrete).

Casoron, a granular herbicide can be used around woody plants (and only woody plants!) in the late winter, will give significant control. It is useless now. As with all pesticides, read, understand, and follow the label instructions. But as you can see, effective options are limited. The best advice don’t get horsetail in the first place!

Horsetail can show up from imported topsoil. Look at topsoil very carefully for horsetail on site before you buy and/ormove some home. If it is there, don’t take it. Sometimes it comes from spores. Often, it travels as root pieces wrapped within plant root balls. Plant gifts sometime have hidden horsetail that the gardener doesn’t know are there.

Codling moths laying eggs now

Codling moth adults have emerged. If you don’t want their larvae in your apples (the “worm”) you need to start control measures. Spinosad is an insecticide derived from a fungus found in Barbados, of all places. The fungus is cultured much like we get antibiotics and their insect-active compound they produce is purified and formulated into both organic and conventional products. These are now available to the home gardener under several trade names. It will be helpful against both the codling moth and the apple maggot. Sprays should be going on now and at about two-week intervals throughout the summer.

Caterpillars & bird conservation

Birds like caterpillars. Caterpillars don’t move fast and they become easily digested, nutrient-filled meals. Birds are rewarded with a lot of energy in comparison with the energy spent acquiring the larva. Caterpillars are also rich in calcium in comparison to other insect stages. Caterpillar-stuffed birds are happy and they prosper. In our conifer forests,

more than half the caterpillar species and about two-thirds of the total caterpillar biomass are associated with the deciduous trees and shrubs of our native landscape. These include alder, maple, cascara, serviceberry, oceanspray, native cherry, wild roses and wild hazel. Forests that contain less than 35% cover by these deciduous species show significantly less use by a number of birds. Some of these birds are now rare in much of the region.

Conservation practices could include planting key species, perhaps after the valuable timber species seedlings are “free to grow” and possibly having a lighter hand with broadleaf herbicides in the planting. Done correctly, both practices could encourage a more diverse forest without compromising ultimate commercial returns.

Many Extension publications available online

Are you putting up salsa, saving seeds, or thinking about planting kiwis? OSU has a large number of its publications available for free download. Just go to https://catalog.extension. oregonstate.edu/. Click on publications and start exploring.

Got food safety or food preservation questions?

Food Preservation recipes and fact sheets can be accessed online at: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/food/ preservation

Important notes

• Donate extra garden produce and/or money to the food bank, senior centers, or community meals programs. It always is greatly appreciated.

• The Extension Service offers its programs and materials equally to all people.

• The OSU Extension Office is fully open from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Resource information

Oregon State University Extension Service – Columbia County 505 N. Columbia River Highway St. Helens, OR 97051 503-397-3462

Hayley Starkey with Beyond the Forest and her entrepreneurial journey

SUBMITTED BY GRO GREATER ST. HELENS

In the next installment of the new series under the heading of “GRO Greater”, which focuses on all-thingsentrepreneurial in St. Helens and beyond, in Columbia County, we spent time with Hayley Starkey, business owner of Beyond the Forest Events LLC in St. Helens, for insights into her entrepreneurial journey and some lessons learned.

Describe for us what it was like when you first had the idea to start Beyond the Forest? Was it a lightning bolt or something that developed over time? Was there an aspect you couldn’t stop thinking about?

The reason behind my venture into Beyond the Forest stemmed from my personal encounters with wedding vendors. Our wedding expenses exceeded our financial capabilities, resulting in two years of marriage burdened with debt.

I felt that that situation didn’t need to be the case; we couldn’t be unique – there must be a need.

Being a florist and hobbyist photographer, I devised a comprehensive five-year plan to generate sufficient financial momentum. This plan aimed to cover all the necessary licenses required to establish a comprehensive event business. We commenced our journey by offering local home-based occupancy and private chef services, gradually expanding to encompass catering,

bartending, coordination, floristry, DJ services, officiating, and photography.

What were the first things you did, the first steps you took to establish your business?

To kickstart my business, I leveraged my expertise in the services I excelled at and provided heavily discounted or even free services to garner reviews and generate word-of-mouth traction. Additionally, I actively engaged with networking and social media groups within my industry, allowing me to observe and learn from the experiences, successes and challenges faced by other businesses in the field.

What are some ways you’ve continued to evolve your brand and product offerings?

I adopted a crowdsourcing approach to gather information on the needs of our community. Building an event business amidst a pandemic, where events were legally prohibited, provided me with a unique perspective. This experience enabled me to identify the weaknesses within my industry and diversify our offerings accordingly. For instance, we expanded our services to include a coffee shop and the provision of flowers for every occasion – not just weddings, which were my original motivation/impetus. Every business concept evolves, and that’s one way that ours did.

Community Events

June 20 13 Nights on the River

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Lloyd Jones will play at McCormick Park. Parking available at the gravel lot behind the Recreation Center at 1810 Old Portland Road. This event is free.

June 23 Caring Hearts: A Highway 30 Cruise In 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Scappoose High School, 33700 SE High School Way. Proceeds will benefit the students of Scappoose School District. Live music by The Decades, vendors, games, food and much more. For more information, contact Angela Wayman at 971-757-00271.

June 27 13 Nights on the River

6 p.m. - 8 p.m. The Damon Castillo Band will play at McCormick Park. Parking available at the gravel lot behind the Recreation Center at 1810 Old Portland Road. This 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

What need or demand did you see, or find, in the community that launching this met?

Recognizing the shared desire among low-income households in Columbia County to embark on a debtfree journey into marriage and life. I realized the need to address this demand, not only within myself but also within the community. And I’ve found that to be valid – or validated – and its the basis for my business.

Knowing what you know now, if you could go back and give beginner-businessyou advice, what would it be?

Seeking professional guidance. I enlisted the assistance of a business lawyer to navigate the establishment of the most suitable business licenses and structures. This collaboration ensured optimal tax structures and efficient bookkeeping practices. A business idea and the passion for it are absolutely essential, obviously. But it’s a business, too, so get started right.

Hayley Starkey is a panelist for the upcoming GRO Event Series “Entrepreneur2Entrepreneur” on June 25th at Crooked Creek Brewery featuring stand-out local food founders that include owners of Crooked Creek Brewery, and Elemental Acres/Elemental Eats, Sabor Mixto & More. The GRO Greater St. Helens column appears monthly and covers topics associated with all things entrepreneurial. Find more information on their Facebook.

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 503-397-3590.

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 (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 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 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 503397-0116.

OBITUARIES

Meghan Ann Campos

Dec. 22, 1992 ~ May 20, 2024

Meghan was born Dec. 22, 1992 in San Diego, California. We moved to the Redmond, Prineville, Oregon area where she was raised. She graduated from Redmond High School in 2009. After graduating, she started doing arts and crafts, making jewelry, and other things. She also loved helping people. She has left behind her seven-year-old son Kevin; Kevin the dad; Anrica (mom); Robert (dad); Roelle and her three aunts; and her cousins all here in St. Helens, Oregon. RIP Meghan. Love and miss you very much. We are having a celebra-

tion of life for Meghan at noon on Sat., June 22, 2024 at McCormick Park. Everybody is welcome.

Debra Joleen Stafford went to be with the Lord on June 11, 2024. She was born on July 15, 1953 in Fort Dodge, Iowa to Lyle and Joanne Klein.

Debra grew up in Polson, Montana on Flathead Lake. In 1975, she moved to War ren, Oregon. She went to school and got her cosmetol ogy license and did hair for many years until she retired. She met the love of her life, Brad Stafford, and they married in 1992. Debra enjoyed fishing with her husband Brad and friends, playing card games, but most of all, trying to beat Brad at

Donald Edward Williams, 76, of Rainier passed away on May 21, 2024 after a long illness. Don was born on June 24, 1947 to Everett Royal Williams and Dorothy May Bishop in San Francisco, CA.

Debra Joleen Stafford

Cribbage. She also enjoyed going to the coast and get togethers with the “Old Girls.” Brad and Debra enjoyed many trips to Lake Billy Chinook with friends. They also enjoyed taking the grandchildren to Lake Billy Chinook, trips to visit her parents in Montana and Brad and Debra lived in Scappoose, Oregon for 26 years before retiring in 2018 and buying their dream home on the Columbia River in Prescott, Oregon. Debra was a wonder-

ful wife, mother, sister and aunt, but most of all, she was the best “NANA.” She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

She passed at St. John’s Peace Health Medical Center in Longview, Washington. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Debra’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Fri., June 21, 2024 at the Warren Baptist Church. There will be a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Medical Center.

always his favorite. Don was active in camping and Boy Scouts with his sons in their adolescence. Watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting and theatre activities brought him much joy.

Don graduated from Richmond High School in 1965. In 1970 he joined the Army. After serving in the military, he went on to study Engineering at Contra Costa College in California. Don worked in the construction and nuclear industries as a NDT Level III where he tested and filmed x-rays of welds. His work took him to many places over the years. Living and working in California, Minnesota, Maryland, Ohio, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, New York, and North

Carolina.

In 1989, Don met Jill in Rainier and married in 1995. Don and Jill went on to raise 6 springer spaniels and multiple cats together over the years. Although his black and white springer Domino was

He enjoyed listening to many genres of music. Don was known for his green thumb and love of many plants. Over the years, Don and Jill spent time participating in local car club activities showing off his favorite collection of classic cars. He later returned to his creative passion of painting, creating a collection of beautiful keepsakes for many family members and friends.

Don was predeceased in death by his father Everett, brother Robert, mother Doro-

Grant William Gillis passed away suddenly, May 16, 2024 at his home in Deer Island, Oregon.

Grant was born July 18, 1953 to William and Virginia (Gentle) Gillis in Lebanon, Oregon. He joined sister Kathy at home in Sweet Home. That fall the family moved to Monmouth, Or egon where many maternal relatives lived. At one time Grant had 22 relatives living in a town of about 1,000 people. His grandfather was the Postmaster, and in 1961 his mother became city librarian.

July 18, 1953 ~ May 16, 2024

Grant could talk to almost anyone. He instinctively knew how to be a good listener, and he always had stories of people he met. He had a good sense of humor and was a great one for jokes.

Grant graduated from Central High School in Independence, Oregon in 1971. For a time, he worked with his father and uncle at their Texaco service station in town. The Gillis family was very interested in politics, and Grant ran for city council, being the youngest on the ballot. He even bought a small lot in town so he could qualify. He lost but got more votes than a local retired principal! Later he graduated

from the police program at Chemeketa Community College. But after being called to a fatal car accident, he decided that police service wasn’t for him, and he went back to work for the Boise Cascade Plywood mill in Dallas, Oregon.

In 1978 Grant married Debbie Coffelt and in 1980 their daughter Carrie was born. Son William (Will) was born in 1983. Grant was transferred to Boise’s St. Helens mill where he continued to work until the mill was closed. At Boise Grant was very involved in the union. He knew each current contract in detail and had the courage to stand up for safe working conditions. Grant loaded trucks for Boise and liked keeping track of things. When he reached 25,000 trucks loaded, he went into

the office and jokingly told them he should get an award. The office staff thought it was a great idea and presented him with a framed award.

Grant was an active Republican who enjoyed meetings, campaigning, including knocking on doors, and working at fairs where he could talk and listen to people. He was “honest to a penny” and loyal to friends, family and principles. He was part of a Men’s Bible Study group that meant a great deal to him. He was also a proud member of the St. Helens Swim Board and tried not to miss a meeting.

Grant was a lifelong reader; each year choosing 18 books to read in the coming year. He owned over 1,000 books. He liked nonfiction, biography and history best. He was a whiz at

geography and liked maps.

Grant enjoyed the outdoors, hiking with his father, and later taking his family and meeting “Grandpa” for camping trips. He liked small town and rural life. He loved animals, especially his dogs and cats. In later years his cats were special companions. Most important to Grant was family. He was interested in genealogy and the stories of relatives who came before him. He maintained membership in the Polk County Historical Society. He loved his family and was so proud of them all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and especially those who loved him. He had an undeniable bond with his grandson Benjamin, who loved to play four square and read Bible stories with his grandpa. He is survived by wife Debbie Gillis; daughter Carrie and her son Benjamin Gillis; son Will Gillis (Heather.) Also by sister Kathy Blevins, (Don) uncle Bill Gentle, nine cousins, and other extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

A graveside service was held on May 24, 2024 at Smith Cemetery south of Monmouth, Oregon.

Pleases submit obituaries by Mondays by Noon. Late submissions may not make the paper. Submit obituaries to The Chronicle & Chief at: chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net

Jared passed away peacefully at the age of 91 years old. He was under the care and comfort of Hospice at the time of his death. He was born and raised in Chicago. While there he studied and graduated with an art degree. He met his future wife Martha Eliza Kraft on the beach, where he was offered his favorite beverage: beer. As he often said” I’ve never had a bad beer.” They were married on January 30, 1953. They moved several times during the early years of their marriage. Living in Iowa, Kentucky and Wyoming before moving to St. Helens Oregon in 1959. They lived in town for a couple of years before purchasing a farm in Yankton. They lived on the farm until Martha’s death in 2017. Jared had a master’s

Jared Hepburn Snyder Oct. 24, 1932 ~ June 6, 2024

degree in art education and taught at the St. Helens Junior High School for 25 years when he retired from teaching. His love of the arts continued through much of his retirement. He often spent his evenings in his studio sculping on different blocks of wood. Shaping them into

beautiful carving that were displayed throughout their house and their children’s.

He had a passion for reading and would recount his most recent book at family celebrations. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout Oregon. They drove on many of the backcountry roads,

seeking out a pristine camping site. While on one of these adventures, they had forgotten to put silverware back into their camp box. So, Jared used his skills as a sculptor and fashioned chopsticks from some tree branches. They were highly proficient, thinking nothing about eating eggs, bacon and hashbrowns with them. He enjoyed all the ethnic cuisines his wife would prepare for them. He is survived by his four children, Martha Killingsworth (Don Killingsworth) of Overland Park, Kansas, Laura Snyder (Robin Smith) of Congress, Arizona, Carl Snyder (Laura Snyder) of Beaverton, Oregon and John Snyder (Mary Snyder) of Portland Oregon; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

thy and daughter Denise. He is survived by his wife Jill, brother Tom (Barbra), first wife Dixie Lard of Arizona, Daughter Lauri Passarelli (Tone), second wife Lynn Lieberman, son Matt Williams (Benita), son Nathan Williams, stepchildren Diana Keizur, Dennis Budge, Dan Budge (Holly), Darrell Budge (Heidi) and Debra Shams, seventeen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and Patches his beloved cat.

A celebration of life is being held at the Trojan Park 71760 Columbia River Hwy Rainier OR 97048, Sunday, June 23 at 1 p.m. Military salute honoring Don’s service will take place at 3

Donald Edward Williams June 24, 1947 ~ May 21, 2024

Grant William Gillis

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City of St. Helens is hiring a Public Works Utility Worker I Regular Full-Time. Apply online at www.sthelensoregon.gov. Deadline to Apply: 7/8/24. Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of St. Helens is hiring a Water Quality Operator I or II Regular Full-Time. Apply online at www.sthelensoregon.gov. Deadline to Apply: July 8, 2024. Equal Opportunity Employer.

City of St. Helens is hiring an Engineer II Regular Full-Time. Apply online at www.sthelensoregon.gov. Deadline to Apply: July 8, 2024. Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

Columbia River PUD is hiring

Position Name: Utility WorkerTree Trimming Salary: $34.25/hr 1st 6 mos. $37.23/hr thereafter. Deadline: Monday, June 24, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. 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) 397-1844 to have an application packet mailed to you.

Hiring Classroom Specialists To work 32 hrs/ wk, school year schedule at the Quest Academy in Longview, WA. $22.54- $27.42 hourly salary. Apply online by visiting www.esd112.org/ takeroot.

Need Housekeeper Looking for housekeeper in St. Helens. Call 503-3975522.

702

Garage Sales

Anything & Everything Sale Sat & Sun 6/22 & 6/23 from 9 am - 6 pm. 204 S. 15th St. in St. Helens.

Garage Sale June 21 & 22 from 8 am-4 pm. Multifamily, small appliances, bedding, mens clothes, Wplus size, shoes, misc. knick knacks, lots of good stuff! 680 H St., Col. City.

Multi-family garage sale Steinke Dr. St. Helens. Games, books, clothing, kitchen items, decor, fabric, and more. A bit of everything and something for everyone. June 2122nd 8am - 4pm.

Sale June 21 & 22 at 59283 Cherrywood Dr. in St. Helens. Opens at 8 a.m. Lots of stuff for sale - some old, some new, some good, some not. No gold, old coins or baby clothes, just stuff.

706

Estate Sales

Estate/Moving

Sale

58435 Lindsay Ln, Warren. Sat. 6/22 from 9-4 & Sun. 6/23 from 9- 3. Garden and barn decor, tools and misc. lumbar, Christmas, fabric, so much more. Beautiful setting, house listed. Don’t miss it! No earlies, cash only. patinac-

CC24-1178

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that George Bartholomew Hafeman III and representatives from Davis, Wright, Tremaine, LLP have applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CU 23-12) for a home occupation. Applicant seeks approval to host weddings and other events on the property. This property is zoned PA-80 (Primary Agriculture) and is 4.27 Acres, located at 51600 SE 9th St in Scappoose, OR. SAID PUBLIC HEARING will be held before the Columbia County Planning Commission on Monday, July 1, 2024, starting at 6:30 p.m. This meeting will be hybrid in nature, allowing participants to log in via Go-ToMeeting (link below) or attend in person at Healy Hall, within Columbia County Public Works Department, 1054 Oregon St., St. Helens, OR 97051. Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https:// meet.goto.com/880602597 You can also dial in using your phone. United States (Toll Free): 1 866 899 4679 Access Code: 880-602-597

The criteria to be used in deciding this request will be found in some or all of the following documents and laws, as revised from time to time: Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 197.797; Oregon Administrative Rules; Columbia County Comprehensive Plan; Columbia County Zoning Ordinance- Section 300 Primary Agriculture Use Zone-80, Section 1100 Flood Hazard Overlay, Section 1170 Riparian Corridors, Wetlands…, Section 1300

CC24-1179

Signs, Section 1400 OffStreet Parking and Loading, Section 1450 Transportation Impact Analysis, Section 1501 General Provisions, Section 1503 Conditional Uses, Section 1507 Home Occupations. The specific criteria applicable to this request are listed and evaluated in the staff report. A copy of the application, all documents and evidence relied upon by the applicants, and the staff reports will be available at the Land Development Services office located at 445 Port Ave, St Helens, OR. and online at https://www.columbiacountyor.gov/departments/LandDevelopment/planning-commission at least 7days prior to the Planning Commission hearing. Written comments on the issue can be submitted via email to Planning@ columbiacountyor.gov or you can send comments via U.S. Mail to Columbia County, Department of Land Development Services, 230 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051. The hearing will be held according to the procedures established in the Zoning Ordinance. Interested parties may appear and be heard. The applicant has the burden of presenting substantial evidence showing that the application meets all of the applicable criteria. Following presentation of the staff report, the applicant and other persons in favor of the application will be allowed to address the commission, explaining how the evidence submitted meets the applicable criteria. Following the applicant’s presentation, any

person in opposition to the application may present evidence and testimony against the application. Then those who are neither in favor nor opposed to the application will have an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The applicant will then have the opportunity to rebut any of the evidence or testimony presented. After the presentation of evidence and arguments, the public hearing record will be either left open or closed by the Planning Commission. The Commission will then make a tentative decision to be followed by approval of a written order and a statement of findings and conclusions supporting the decision, which will be mailed to those entitled to notice at a later date. The Commission may continue the hearing to a time and date certain in the future. Failure of an issue to be raised in a hearing, in person or by letter, or failure to provide statements or evidence sufficient to afford the decision maker an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the Board based on that issue. Additional information about this application may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Land Development Services Department, at (503) 397-1501. If you have any questions or concerns regarding access to the meeting or need accommodation, please call the Land Development Services office at (503) 397-1501. THE PLANNING COMMISSION Dan Magnia, Chairman 06/19.

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

Pursuant to ORS 87.162, the undersigned lien claimant has perfected a possessory lien in the below described property and will be selling the property at public sale to satisfy the amount due under its lien and its recoverable expenses incurred. The following information is provided with respect to the sale: Property Description: 1987 24’ Bayliner pleasure boat; Hull Serial #BL88245TK687; OR Title # OR221PX Name/Last Known Address: Jesse T.

CC24-1183

Reynolds (Owner) of Reputed Owner 34570 Pittsburg Road St. Helen, Oregon 97051-3506 Amount Due on Lien: Moorage fees of $2,448.00 due as of June 1, 2024, and thereafter accruing at rate of $204.00/mo. or $6.80/day, plus costs of certified postage and publishing this Notice. Time and Place of Sale: July 19, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m. Marina Office/ General Store Doorway/ Entrance St. Helens Marina 134 N. River Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Person

Foreclosing Lien: St. Helens Marina, LLC (Lien Claimant) 134 River Street P.O. Box 1034 St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Questions concerning the sale may be directed to: Brad Hendrickson, Manager 134 River Street St. Helens, Oregon 97051 Telephone: 503.397.4162 All bids must include a 24 hour removal plan. If the vessel is not then timely removed the bid can be invalidated and the next bid in succession will be deemed the successful bid. 06/12, 6/19.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BENJAMIN WAYNE ANTHONY WELLS, DECEASED. CASE NO. 24PB00981

NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tina Wells has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Tina Wells, 104

CC24-1185

West Alder, Sprague, WA 99031, 509-280-4943, personal representative of the estate of Benjamin Wayne Anthony Wells, 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 June 19th, 2024.

NOTICE OF STATEMENT OF PROCEDURES

The statement of procedures for Columbia County are available for review at the Columbia County Courthouse and https:// www.columbiacountyor. gov/departments/Finance/ Expenditures.

CC24-1189

NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOARD VACANCY

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN to the electors of the Clatskanie School District that there is a current vacancy on the School Board, position #2, which was formerly held by Kathy Engel. The Board intends to attempt to appoint a qualified elector of the District to fill the vacancy under a term of office that shall expire on 6/30/2025. In order to

CC24-1190

be eligible to serve as an appointee in the vacant seat, the individual must also be a resident of the Clatskanie School District. Any eligible person who desires to be considered for appointment to this public office must completed the Application for Board Vacancy form, which can be found on the Clatskanie School District website, csd.k12.or.us or you can pick up from the district office, 660 SW Bryant, Mon-Thur. 8AM – 4PM. To ensure consideration applications must be completed by June 28, 2024 prior to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries regarding this notice may be directed to Shannon Emerson, board secretary at 503-728-0587 X 2003, or by email semerson@csd.k12.or.us. 06/19, 06/26.

NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING

McNulty Water PUD

July 2024 Board meeting has been moved from July 2, 2024, to July 9, 2024, due to the 4th of July

Holiday. The meeting will be located at 34240 Millard Road, Warren Oregon 97053. If you would like to attend the meeting, please

contact the McNulty office at 503-397-1301. The meeting is also available via Zoom. 06/19, 06/26.

Summer fun with the Annual Kiwanis Parade

Oregon launches new summer food program for children

Oregon Summer Elec-

tronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is a new food benefits program to help shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school.

Summer EBT starts in late June and will provide $120 per eligible child to buy food.

“Summer break is days away for families with school-age children. During the summer, many families must provide another 10 meals per child, per week,” Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “The strain that puts on a family’s grocery budget can amplify child hunger. Summer EBT is on its way to help.”

The ODE is partnering with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) to provide the new program.

“Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets. We want to raise awareness about this new program and make sure families know

what to expect and do when the program begins,” ODHS Director. Fariborz Pakseresht said. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement.

Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”

Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits?

• Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt. oregon.gov.

• School-aged children are typically eligible for Summer EBT if:

Their household already participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP, also known as Medicaid), or they are in foster care, or they attend a school that offers the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, and their household’s income meets the requirements for free or reduced-price school meals, or they attend a school that offers the National School

Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program and are:

• Enrolled in migrant programs

• Experiencing houselessness

• Participating in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

• Attending Head Start

Families receiving Summer EBT can continue participating in other meal programs in their schools and communities. Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits?

There are two ways families can access Summer EBT benefits. About 70 percent of eligible children will be automatically enrolled in Summer EBT. Families of the remaining 30 percent of eligible children will need to fill out a simple application.

Automatic enrollment: Families that participate in SNAP, TANF or OHP will be automatically enrolled and don’t need to apply. Children in foster care also will be automatically enrolled. For families receiving SNAP or TANF benefits, Summer EBT will be added to the household’s Oregon EBT card.

For families receiving OHP, a new EBT card will be mailed to the address on file. Families will get a letter for each eligible child by mail or email when their benefits have been sent. They will receive the benefits in one payment.

Application: Families with children who are not automatically eligible can apply for Summer EBT. To be eligible, children must be enrolled in a school with

ACROSS

1. South American palm berry

5. Chi preceder

8. Tatted cloth

12. *”Knee high in July”?

13. Hole-making tools

14. Sign in (2 words)

15. Discharge

16. Violin’s Renaissance predecessor

17. Nursemaid in India, pl.

18. *On the grill on the 4th?

20. Tropical tuber

21. Propelled like Argo

22. “Fresh Prince of ____Air”

23. *#18 Across, picnics and such

26. Yellow ride

30. Not well

31. Heavy lifting injury

34. “Brave New World” drug

35. Feudal estates

37. Storm center

38. Rand McNally book

39. Singer-songwriter Amos

40. Deserving veneration

42. Giant “Master Melvin”

43. Y on Periodic Table

free or reduced-price meals and live in a household that meets the income requirements for free or reducedprice meals. At sebt.oregon.gov, families can sign-up to get a notification by text or email when it’s time to complete the application. As part of this application, families must provide the child’s name, school, date of birth, address and household income. Qualifying families will be mailed an Oregon EBT card. They will receive the benefits in one payment. Families can use their Summer EBT benefits at stores and farmer’s markets that accept EBT.

More about Summer EBT

Summer EBT became a new, permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

Most states will start providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in

the form of grocery benefits families will spend in their communities.

Additional resources to help meet basic needs

Families can get more support from other summer meal programs as well as through these food resources:

• Find food resources in your community: needfood. oregon.gov

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank. org

• Text the word “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304

Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or https://www.adrcoforegon.org. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org

Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon. org/find-services.

45. Unkind one, slangily

47. Clairvoyant’s gift, acr.

48. “____ under the rug”

50. Cry like a baby

52. *Number of stripes on Old Glory

55. Birch bark vessel

56. Object of Frodo’s obsession

57. Norse war god

59. Cut mission short

60. Fairy tale beginning

61. Tangerine/grapefruit hybrid

62. MTV’s “____’d” (2003-2015)

63. Like Willie Winkie

64. “Team” homophone

DOWN

1. Fighter pilot

2. Toothy groomer

3. Operatic solo 4. Openings

5. Between once and thrice

6. Viva voce

Maroon’s home

*As opposed to Patriot

Type of salmon

Short for ensign

Not sympathetic

Potentially allergenic

material

Tubs

Farm cry

*Number of stars on

“The Waste Land” poet

Heads-up

Wedding cake layer

Stradivari competitor

Moisten, as in a turkey

500 sheets

of

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTOS FROM THE CITY OF ST. HELENS

‘Highest rate ever’ for students claiming non-medical vaccination exemptions

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Schools reported the highest rate ever for students claiming nonmedical exemp tions from the state’s school vaccination requirements, according to the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) latest data.

By the numbers

Statewide, 8.8% of kin dergartners had a nonmedical exemption for one or more required vaccines, up from 8.1% in 2023 and 6.9% in 2022. In 2023, Oregon had the second highest nonmedical exemption rate in the country, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data.

Analysts with OHA’s Oregon Immunization Program found that 86.4% of kindergartners received all required vaccines in 2024, down from 87.1% in 2023 and 88.4% in 2022. The decrease in kin-

awards letter of intent for events coordinator

From Page A1

The final scores for each councilor were:

Brandon Sundeen

134 for Treadway Events, 131 for Cascadia Glamping

Jessica Chilton

132 for Treadway Events, 120 for Cascadia Glamping

Mark Gundersen

140 for Treadway Events, 140 for Cascadia Glamping

Russell Hubbard

113 for Treadway Events, 120 for Cascadia Glamping

Rick Scholl

121 for Treadway Events, 66 for Cascadia Glamping

The notice of intent to award was given to Treadway Events. The totals for both presentations were 577 points for Cascadia Glamping and 640 points for Treadway Entertainment.

dergarten immunization rates marks two consecutive years of decline.

Stacy de Assis Matthews, immunization school law coordinator at the Oregon Immunization Program, said the

During its presentation, Treadway Events President Brandon Treadway said the company started in 2015 with a focus on “all things Holloween.” With an eye on being sustainable yearround, the company became an event planning production and promotion agency. The company is based in Portland but serves communities in Washington, including Longview, Kelso, and Seattle. Each of the councilors thanked Cascadia Glamping and Treadway Events for their submissions, but ultimately, the scores pointed to Treadway Events being selected. The reasoning was primarily that Treadway Events was more equipped to handle large-scale events, while Cascadia Glamping is still a young company with less experience with bigscale events.

Scholl said he wanted to wait until the June 20 council meeting to make a decision and ensure they weren’t rushing things. Chilton responded that she doesn’t think the process has been rushed, that the finalists were “good candidates,” and that they can take on the project and “do fine.” After discussion, the council voted to approve the notice of intent to award.

Questions on continuity

During its presentation, Treadway Events said they spent time familiarizing themselves with the signature events the city puts on, which are included in the contract.

The contract includes events such as 13 Nights on the River, the 4th of July Celebration, Spirit of Halloweentown, and the Christmas Tree Lighting. Treadway said that he feels that each of the events falls in the scope of what their company has done in the past, but that they also want to improve the events wherever they can.

When asked what concerns or questions Treadway has about accepting the contract, Treadway posed several questions.

“In general, is Treadway Events, or any contractor, required any out-of-pocket expenses, to cover them, without reimbursement in advance?” Treadway asked.

“The way it’s set up now, is that the contractor is paid their fee, and they have to produce the events and generate revenue,” City Administrator John Walsh said. As a follow-up, Treadway asked, “In terms of the event budgets in particular, are there funds available to take care of AV or talent? Or is that coming out of our pocket, and then getting reimbursed?”

Walsh said the way it is set up now, the money for those expenses would be out of pocket.

Treadway then asked what the transition plan

best defense against vaccinepreventable diseases is a well-immunized community, which also protects children who cannot be immunized because of age or medical condition.

would be for the 13 Nights concert series as the city changes from its current contractor.

“That’s a good question. We’re going to talk about that at our council meeting in a couple days, because we are coming up on the end of that contract and coming into the new July that has no contract,” Scholl said.

Walsh said bands have been lined up, but it’s not under contract because the “contracts overlap.”

Treadway then asked about downtown construction, noting that it’s a “huge concern” and about the timeline for hosting Halloweentown.

The council said they are trying to nail down an exact timeline, but Scholl said the city has “other city parks,” and Chilton said there are other city assets that can be reconfigured, like the “UFO museum.”

Another important note Treadway brought up was seeing figures for last year’s events to set expectations.

“In terms of accepting the contract, one thing that we would absolutely love to get eyes on is the 2023 event budgets, for each one, just to see where some of that money went, make sure that it’s within our scope, and we don’t see anything odd about any of that kind of stuff,” Treadway said.

No comment was offered in response by the council.

Funding events

The Columbia County Chronicle & Chief reached out to Walsh to see if there is an operating budget for tourism events, and he said the current RFP “does not propose an operating budget for the new event contractor.” In an email to the Chronicle & Chief, Walsh detailed what the structure looks like for the coordinator to fund events.

“Under the new proposed contract, the contractor selected is responsible for financing events with what-

“The concern is that a highly contagious disease, such as measles, will be introduced to a school that doesn’t have high immunization rates and that students will become sick,” Matthews said. She noted that, as of May 10, there were 132 cases of measles in the U.S. in 2024, of which 81% were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, CDC data

But by far, most Oregon parents and guardians choose to have their children immunized, according to Matthews. Schools reported that 91% of students in kindergarten through 12th grade received all required vaccines in 2024. However, this rate has been decreasing over time.

“School immunization laws help make sure kids can go to school in a safe and healthy environment free of vaccine-preventable diseases,” Matthews said. “These laws help support OHA’s goal of eliminating health dispari-

ever business model that they chose. The city gives the contractor a negotiated contractor’s fee, and the contractor is responsible for making up the difference of any additional capital needed to successfully run the events,” Walsh said. “This could be through a combination of capital that the event contractor’s business brings to the table, securing sponsorships, and ticket sales.”

There has been discussion of a Wauna account that E2C uses to fund events, when asked if this could be an operating budget for the new contractor, Walsh clarified.

“Per the city’s contract with E2C, the Wauna account is managed by E2C for the payment of budgeted and approved tourism expenses, including any fees,” Walsh said. “Upon termination of the contract, the remaining funds are turned over to the city. The current RFP process does not propose an operating budget for the new event contractor.”

Community members petition for Tina Curry

Though two finalists were the focus of the council’s questions, community members who spoke during the public commment portion of the meeting focused on current event contractor Curry and E2C Corp.

ties by 2030 by making sure each child’s immunization record is checked annually, and any child who is behind can be brought up to date on vaccines every year.”

Detailed look

Data from Oregon’s ALERT Immunization Information System provides a detailed look at childhood immunizations and adolescent immunizations, including immunization rates by race and ethnicity. OHA also maintains a summary of kindergarten immunization and exemption rates, which were updated this month, and a county and state immunization and exemption rate dashboard updated in August 2023.

OHA officials said 2024 data will be available later this summer.

OHA also has individual school and child care immunization rate interactive maps (2024 data will be available later this summer)

Many of the public comments were made in support of Curry and E2C, with questions for the council about why she is not in consideration for the position.

With the contract is set to expire on Jun. 30, members of the community expressed concern that the short timeline ofonboarding a new contractor starting July 1 may put events like the sandcastle competition, 13 Nights on the River, and Spirit of Halloweentown in danger.

Brittany Lapp works on the Sand Island Sand Castle Competition, and she expressed concern about there being enough time to plan this year’s event if Curry is no longer the events coordinator.

Another community member raised concerns about how much time a new company would have to plan the Spirit of Halloweentown in just a few months. He also mentioned that whichever company is selected will need to raise funds for a large-scale event.

Other public comments honed in on Curry’s experience in the community and the way E2C has supported local nonprofits.

Community member Brady Preheim raised concerns over the committee and councilors who graded the proposals from contractors. Preheim said the new

and individual school and child care immunization rate spreadsheets, also updated this month.

Resources

There are several resources for parents and guardians to get their kids vaccinated:

• Information about immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year and school immunization forms are available in 17 languages.

• If a person needs help in finding a clinic, they can contact 211 or their local health department. 211Info has English and Spanish speakers available, as well as interpreter services in many different languages.

• If a child has Medicaid/ Oregon Health Plan or no insurance, or is American Indian/Alaska Native, immunizations are available at low or no cost through the Vaccines for Children program.

contract seems to be for a “micromanaged employee” instead of an independent contractor. Preheim emphasized that the scoring and selection of the finalists have not been transparent to the public.

“I want to see what the scores look like, I want to see how it was biased, and I want to know whose scores we should be eliminating that have a clear bias against Tina,” Preheim said.

After hearing public comments, the council deliberated about tourism and the new events coordinator. Chilton credited Curry for her service to the city but said that Treadway Events may be the ticket to expanding the event.

“As we’ve heard in this room, this is a passionate topic. It’s been the baby of the city for a very long time, and it has really grown thanks to E2C. They have really grown it from a pumpkin, to a huge festival,” Chilton said. “Some positives from Treadway is having that big event scale. That’s where I see Halloweentown transforming to, that’s my vision for it.”

Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com, thechiefnews.com, and in the Wednesday print editions of the Columbia County Chronicle & Chief.

If you’ve retired, you may have thought you closed the book on one chapter of your life. But what happens if you need to “reverse” your retirement?

Due to higher inflation and rising interest rates, many retirees are taking out more money from their retirement accounts than they had originally anticipated. As a result, some are headed back to the workforce. If you’re thinking of joining them, you’ll need to consider some factors that may affect your finances.

First, if you’ve been taking Social Security, be aware that you could lose some of your benefits if you earn over a certain level, at least until you reach your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. Specifically, if you are under your full retirement age for the entire year, Social Security will deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit, which, in 2024, is $22,320. In the year you reach your full retirement age, Social Security will deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit, which, in 2024, is $59,520.

Social Security will only count your earnings up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, at which point your earnings will no longer reduce your benefits, regardless of how much you earn. Also, Social Security will recalculate your benefit amounts to credit you for the months your payments were reduced due to your excess earnings.

Social Security also allows you to pay back early benefits received if you withdraw your application within 12 months of starting benefits. This move could help you receive substantially higher benefits at full retirement age. Your Social Security isn’t the only benefit that could be affected by your earnings. Your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums are based on your income, so they could rise if you start earning more money. Also, your extra income could push you into a higher tax bracket. Nonetheless, you can certainly gain some benefits by returning to the working world. Obviously, you’ll be making money that can help you boost your daily cash flow and possibly reduce some debts. But depending on where you work, you might also be able to contribute to a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retire-

ment plan. And regardless of where you work, you’ll be eligible to contribute to an IRA. By putting more money into these accounts, you may well be able to strengthen your financial position during your retirement years. You might also be able to receive some employee benefits, such as group health insurance — which could be particularly valuable if you haven’t yet started receiving Medicare. In addition to the potential financial advantages of going back to work, you might get some social benefits, too. Many people enjoy the interactions with fellow workers and miss these exchanges when they retire, so a return to the workforce, even if it’s on a part-time basis, may give you an emotional boost. In the final analysis, you’ll want to weigh the potential costs of going back to work against the possible benefits. There’s no one right answer for everyone, but by looking at all the variables, you should be able to reach a decision that works for you.