St. Helens’ challenging 2024-2025 budget
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
The City of St. Helens approved its 2024-2025 budget earlier this summer, and the city has needed to rely on “one-time” sources of revenue to avoid undue stress on budget reserves.
The St. Helens budget is $84.7 million, which marks an $8.4 million decrease from last year’s $93 million. The city has been put in a difficult position with the exodus of its biggest taxpayer Cascades Tissue. One area of concern for the city is the dwindling funds in the budget’s general fund.
In an effort to maintain service levels, the city has resorted to “onetime revenue sources,” such as the sale of city-owned property and timber harvest, according to St. Helens City Administrator John Walsh.
“One-time revenues were allocated to the General Fund which supports the police, library, administration, recreation, and parks budgets,” Walsh said. “There needs to be new revenue sources to fund services, especially police, and we need to eliminate our reliance on one-time revenue to cover budget shortages.”
As the city worked to make the best use of available funds, the cutting of two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded positions in the general fund was necessary. The two positions were an I.T. specialist and a parks administrative assistant. Despite the cost saving measures, the general fund reserve’s balance is predicted to be negative by fiscal year 2026-2027. When asked for examples of
new revenue sources the city will explore to bolster the general fund, Walsh said they are considering increasing the police service fee or going out for another Police Operating Levy. The levy placed on the ballot for St. Helens’ voters in the May 2024 election in Columbia County was rejected by voters of the town, with 1,265 people for the measure and 1,694 against it. Community members have voiced concerns over the council increasing its service fees, as it affects their wallets and bank accounts.
water, sewer, and storm. Utility fees increased according to rate study recommendations. Water increased by 2.9%, sewer by 7.4%, and storm by $0.18. Walsh said that rate increases are required to complete the city’s capital projects and operational costs.
“Rate increases fund both increases in operating expenses and capital projects. Capital projects are identified through the city’s master plans for each service (i.e.
priorities,” Walsh said. The city has also decreased its budgets for the Street, Street SDC, Sewer, and Community Development Funds. Walsh said there are fewer “projects budgeted for fiscal year 2025 than were budgeted for fiscal year 2024 due to projects being completed this year.”
While much of the budget has been focused on cutting back, Walsh did say the city will be seeking employees to staff three job openings
that were not filled last year.
“We will fill three public works positions that were left vacant in the prior year,” Walsh said. “These positions are funded through the city’s enterprise funds, which have more stable revenues than the city’s general fund.”
The city’s budget message In an effort to bring in more sustainable revenues, the city has been working to bring more manufacturing and industry to St. Helens to replace the tax revenue from Cascades Tissue. In the budget message for the 2024-2025 budget, the city shared the following message:
“This year’s budget process has proven exceptionally challenging with difficult decisions necessary to maintain the city’s financial health. The economic challenges from a competitive labor market and increasing costs for materials and supplies are just a piece of our budget challenges. Additionally, the loss of Cascades Tissue has been a major blow to the city and the local economy.
“Staff has strived to present a balanced budget whereby anticipated expenses align with projected revenues, while funding the city’s desired services throughout the community. Just as in our message last year, the fiscal reality is that there is more demand for services than available funding and the city must prioritize its resources to achieve the highest outcomes.”
Find the St. Helens city budget at: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/ finance/page/st-helens-city-budget.
St. Helens Safeway included on list of stores to be sold
WILL CHAPPELL
Country Media, Inc.
St. Helens’ Safeway location was included on a list of 579 stores across the nation and 62 across Oregon proposed for sale as part of a planned merger between parent company Albertsons Company and Kroger.
Stores would be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC, a New Hampshire-based company that operates an extensive grocery supply operation, as well as grocery stores in the Midwest, South, and Northeast.
Attempts to merge the two grocery giants began in October 2022, when the companies announced that Kroger planned to acquire Albertsons for $24.6 billion.
The announcement drew regulatory scrutiny from the Federal
Trade Commission (FTC), which requested additional information on the merger in December of that year.
This led the companies to develop a list of 413 stores that they would sell to C&S as part of the divestiture process that was submitted to the FTC in September of last year. A list of specific stores slated for sale was not released at that time, but a release indicated that 49 Kroger and Albertsons stores would be affected in Oregon.
However, in February, the FTC announced that it was suing to block the merger, alleging that it would eliminate competition between the two companies, leading to higher grocery prices for consumers.
Kroger responded with a press release, part of a concerted public
relations push surrounding the proposed merger, claiming that blocking the merger would lead to higher prices and store closures.
The FTC’s opposition-led Kroger and Albertsons to reevaluate divestiture plans, leading to the new list. Proposed store sales in Oregon grew from 49 to 62, with Washington state seeing the most proposed sales at 124 and 19 states affected in total.
The proposed sale would see the QFC, Mariano’s, Carrs, and Haggen brand names transferred to C&S and the Safeway name being licensed to the company in Arizona and Colorado, but naming plans for Oregon stores were not immediately announced.
A new review by FTC officials will now proceed to determine whether the proposed divestiture plan meets statutory requirements.
35 years of bringing the arts to Clatskanie
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
For the 35th time, the Clatkanie Arts Commission (CAC) will present its Annual Performing Arts Series, once again inviting the community to share and enjoy the arts.
Elsa Wooley is a board member and organizer for the (CAC) and is proud to have kept this series going year after year for three and a half decades.
“We are very proud of the accomplishment,” Wooley said. “As we see arts organizations in the county or around the state closing, I think it’s a real tribute to not only the people who have been working on the Arts Commission but also the community that they would support something for 35 years.”
The CAC owes its inception to three local piano teachers, Helen Kleger, Natalie Lowrance, and Virginia Victor, who, with the help of
community fundraising, purchased a grand piano for Clatskanie High School for the spring recitals and to be used by the school music department. Wooley has been involved with the CAC from the beginning through the piano teachers and her husband, Donovan “Dee” Wooley, who was the music teacher at CMHS.
The CAC is a non-profit corporation, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization created to provide a variety of entertaining programs and events that enrich the lives of the people of the Lower Columbia River Region.
Performing Arts Series
When the Performing Arts Series started, it consisted of four piano performances by professional pianists. Wooley explained how the series evolved over the years.
“When it began, it was basically just pianists. After a while, even the piano teachers figured out people
can only stand so much piano playing,” Wooley said. “It broadened in baby steps. We got local performers, who were very affordable; our budget was really small. Now, we have grown into bringing international acts and world-renowned performers. People are always so surprised when they come, and they say, ‘Wow! How did they ever show up in Clatskanie?’”
And it isn’t by accident that the performers do come to Clatskanie. Wooley said it takes a lot of hard work to coordinate, but the CAC has a “really good reputation with a lot of agents and a lot of performers.” Because of the positive experiences they have when they come to town, Wooley said it’s grown into a “world wide performance series.” Though attendance at the performance series has taken some time to recover after the pandemic, Wooley said last year’s series was
See CLATSKANIE, Page A2
FILE PHOTO
The Safeway in St. Helens is located at 795 Lower Columbia River Highway.
WILL LOHRE / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The City of St. Helens has once again needed to make tough decisions to ensure the financial health of the city.
COURTESY PHOTO FROM ELSA WOOLEY
Kyle Schopf plays the grand piano at the Birkenfeld Theater in Clatskanie.
Scappoose horse heading to Germany
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
A horse who has spent the last two years plodding the land at Happy Heart Acres rescue farm in Scappoose will soon be galloping in the fields of Germany, having been adopted by a nonprofit called American Mustang Germany.
“Lil’ Buck” is a threeand-a-half-year-old Roan Mustang gelding who has been raised by Happy Heart Acres and “Chief Executive Wrangler” JJ Duehren since he was one year old.
“When we rescue these animals, especially the mustangs, if we can get them pretty young, a lot of them are born in [Bureau of Land Management (BLM)] corrals, we get them out of a bad situation,” Duehren said. “We get
young, 6-month or year-old animals, and then we just let them be horses for a few years. They get to hang out in a herd; they get training. For us, as a rescue, we really want to make sure those horses are as safe as possible and as good of a family as possible.”
Duehren said that Happy Heart Acres has adopted out 20 to 30 horses over the past ten years but that over 56,000 mustangs are held in BLM holding facilities throughout the U.S., and without a caring adopter or rescue, it can be “a pretty grim existence for animals who roamed free on the range.”
One recent trend Duehren has noticed is that there is a demand for the iconic American Stallion in Germany. Duehren finds it fascinating
that a country that is a “consistent leader” in Olympic Dressage with “well-bred horses costing tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars” has developed a fascination with mustangs.
“There is something about America’s hardy mustangs that has captured the hearts and souls of these German Equestrians,” Duehren said.
According to Duehren, horse lovers from Germany can spend up to $15,000 for purchase and transport to a quarantine area where horses stay for six weeks and are flown in a jumbo jet to Germany to connect with their new adopter.
For Duehren, the most rewarding part of the process is helping animals that otherwise would have a low quality of life. Duehren explained
what it means to care for a horse and why the transition is important.
“Being able to unite them with people who are passionate about horses, who are well-vetted, and who can really provide these animals with a high quality of life and a partnership for horsemanship,” Duehren said.
Lil’ Buck will be making his journey at the end of this week, and Duehren is excited for him and his new owners. She wants people to know that if they are interested in adopting a Mustang, they should pursue it; Duehren said it is amazing to own and care for these free-spirited animals.
Visit the BLM Wild Horse site at https://www.blm.gov/ whb.
Members of Congress condemn violence after assassination attempt on Trump
ASHLEY MURRAY AND JENNIFER SHUTT
Oregon Capital Chronicle Chronicle & Chief Guest Article
Members of Congress
rejected political violence
Saturday after a shooting at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania left at least one rallygoer dead and forced the Secret Service to rush the former president off stage.
Local authorities confirmed the shooter was killed, according to The Associated Press.
The shooting at a crowded outdoor rally in Butler, just an hour outside Pittsburgh, occurred less than 48 hours before the Republican National Convention is set to begin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Trump is expected to become the party’s official presidential nominee on Thursday.
Video footage of the rally shows Trump bringing his hand to the right side of his face and ducking down behind the podium just after several gunshots and screams were heard.
U.S. Secret Service agents huddled around the former president and raced him off the stage as he reached out to pump his fist in the air toward the crowd.
Trump campaign spokesman Steve Cheung issued a statement shortly after that the former president is “fine” and that he thanked law enforcement.
‘Praying for President Trump’
Members of Congress from both political parties uniformly condemned violence in a wave of social media posts and official statements.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, posted on social media that he was “Praying for President Trump.”
“Kelly and I are praying for President Trump and all the attendees of the campaign rally today in Pennsylvania, and we send our gratitude to the law enforcement who responded at the scene,” Johnson wrote.
“I have been briefed by law enforcement and am continuing to monitor the developments,” Johnson added. “This horrific act
Clatskanie
From Page A1
well attended, with many of the shows featuring a packed audience. In addition to the Clatskanie community, Wooley said there are people who come for the series from Astoria, Longview, and around the county as well. The season will kick off with the annual Big Band in the Park concert sponsored by Donna Garlock. The show is a free concert on Labor Day, Sept. 2, from 2-4 p.m.
Other performances include:
Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024: Cellist Gideon Freudman and the silent movie Sherlock Jr. by Buster Keaton
of political violence at a peaceful campaign rally has no place in this country and should be unanimously and forcefully condemned.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, released a written statement saying that he was “horrified by what happened at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania and relieved that former President Trump is safe.”
“Political violence has no place in our country,” Schumer wrote.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, wrote on social media that “all Americans are grateful that President Trump appears to be fine after a despicable attack on a peaceful rally.”
“Violence has no place in our politics,” McConnell wrote. “We appreciate the swift work of the Secret Service and other law enforcement.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a New York Democrat, wrote on social media that his “thoughts and prayers are with former President Trump.”
“I am thankful for the decisive law enforcement response,” Jeffries wrote. “America is a democracy. Political violence of any kind is never acceptable.”
Members of Congress react with horror
Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania
Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024: Oregon Symphonic Band in concert at CMHS Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024: Celtic Christmas with the Men of Worth and Friends Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025: Piano Heist Saturday, Feb. 23, 2025: Louie Foxx’s One-Man Side Show of Magic and Comedy Saturday, Apr. 5, 2025: Trevor Panczak & his Country Band
All Saturday programs begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday programs at 3 p.m. All programs except OSB are at the Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem.
The arts series came somewhat full circle last week as piano teacher Corrine Kaczmarek, brought some of her piano students to practice on and present their recital on the grand piano at the Birkenfeld The-
issued a statement that he was monitoring the situation that unfolded in Western Pennsylvania.
“(A)nd I’ve reached out (to) the State Police to offer support. Political violence is never acceptable and I am hoping former president Trump & all attendees are safe. Everyone in Butler should listen to law enforcement,” Casey wrote on social media.
Arizona Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, whose wife Gabby Giffords, a former congresswoman, was shot in 2011 at an event, posted that they were both “horrified.”
“Gabby and I are horrified by the incident in Pennsylvania,” Kelly wrote. “No one should ever have to experience political violence — we know that firsthand. We’re keeping former President Trump, his family, and everyone involved in our thoughts.”
Giffords wrote on her own social media feed that “Political violence is terrifying. I know.”
“I’m holding former President Trump, and all those affected by today’s indefensible act of violence in my heart. Political violence is un-American and is never acceptable — never,” Giffords wrote.
Michigan Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, wrote on social media that “(p)olitical violence is despicable, and there is no place for it in
atre. Student Kyle Schopf was the inspiration for the event. Though he only started a few months ago, one of his goals was to play on a grand piano. Schopf was joined by classmates Dominic W. Nowlin, Jeremiah Lang, Wes Hamilton, Eli Dibbels, Anna Dobbels (Eli’s mother), and Taka Wiggins in playing on the piano at the Birkenfeld Theatre.
“To me, it’s a wonderful experience knowing how proud the piano teachers of more than 35 years ago were when their piano students could play on that grand piano, and now it’s happening again after 35 years,” Wooley said. “It’s just very heartwarming.”
Visit clatskaniearts.org or call Elsa Wooley at 503728-3403 for more information or to order tickets.
Quick response
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, a Connecticut Democrat, commended the quick response of Secret Service agents and other authorities on the scene.
“My thoughts and prayers are with former President Donald Trump and his family after hearing news of a shooting at his campaign rally today,” DeLauro of Connecticut posted on social media.
House Republican Mike Turner of Ohio, chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued a statement saying “As the situation unfolds in Butler, Pennsylvania, I urge everyone to join me in praying for President Trump and our country.”
America.”
“I’m grateful that former President Trump is safe, and to the law enforcement officials who risked their lives to take action” Peters wrote. “I will continue to closely monitor this developing situation.”
Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins wrote on social media that she was “very relieved that President Trump appears to be OK; however, this violence is absolutely appalling.”
“Thank God for the Secret Service and first responders who hurried President Trump out of harm’s way,” Collins wrote.
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York wrote on social media that “AMERICA IS PRAYING! GOD BLESS PRESIDENT TRUMP! #SAVEAMERICA,”
“I’m praying for President Trump. I hope everyone will join me,” former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy wrote on X.
“Jacquie and I are praying for President Trump and all of the attendees at today’s rally. President Trump is a proven warrior who has overcome adversity time and time again. He will rise above this horrifying situation stronger than ever,” House Republican
Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota posted.
Former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney, an outspoken critic of Trump and ranking member of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, said news of the shooting was “horrifying.”
“Violence of any kind has no place in American politics. We are grateful for the reaction of Secret Service and other law enforcement and pray for the former president and all those injured,” Cheney wrote on social media.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on social media saying he was “shocked by the apparent attack on President Trump.”
“We pray for his safety and speedy recovery,” the leader of the U.S. ally said.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle. com/2024/07/13/membersof-congress-condemn-violence-after-shots-seemingly-fired-at-trump-rally/ Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
COURTESY PHOTO
Lil’ Buck will soon be clopping it up in Germany.
ANNA MONEYMAKER / GETTY IMAGES Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump is rushed offstage by U.S. Secret Service agents after being grazed by an apparent bullet during a rally on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.
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
June 29
• Police arrested a 60-year-old male subject for DUII at the 400 block of 18th Street.
June 30
• Officers cited a 24-year-old male subject for driving while suspended near Gable Road and Columbia River Highway.
July 1
• Law enforcement took a burglary report near Old Portland Road and South 14th Street.
July 3
• Officers served a warrant for a 49-year-old male subject at
901 Port Avenue.
• Police responded to a traffic crash at Sykes Road and Westshire Lane.
• Officers arrested a 35-yearold female subject on a fugitive warrant at the 100 block of 18th Street.
July 4
• Law enforcement arrested a 26-year-old male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.
• Police arrested a 36-yearold male subject for criminal trespass at the 2200 block of Gable Road.
July 5
• Law enforcement responded to a 28-year-old male subject on a detainer near Columbia Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.
• Officers arrested a 44-yearold male subject on a detainer at the 100 block of May Avenue.
• Police arrested a 39-year-old male subject on DUII, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and reckless endangerment of another person at the 2000 block of Gable Road.
July 6
• Officers arrested a 44-year-old male subject on a detainer at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway. Police arrested a 24-year-old male subject on DUII, and reckless driving near Old Portland Road and South 17th Street.
July 7
• Law enforcement responded to an agency assist for burglary near the 5000 Block of Columbia River Highway.
• Officers arrested a 31-yearold male subject on a fugitive warrant at the 700 block of Columbia River Highway.
July 8
• Police arrested a 26-yearold female subject on a fugitive warrant at the 200 block of Belton Road.
• Officers arrested a 33-yearold female subject on disorderly conduct II at the 2000 block of Bable Road.
July 10
• Police arrested a 21-yearold male subject on menacing, harassment-offensive
contact, and resisting arrest at the 800 block of Tualatin Street.
Rainier Police Department
June 26
• A caller was concerned about the welfare of a man that appeared to be passed out in the parking lot of Chevron. The person was fine, just sleeping.
• An officer checked on a suspicious vehicle at the marina.
June 27
• A motorcycle was reported as stolen from a residence.
• A caller was concerned about a U-Haul blocking the street on West A Loop. The occupants were moving into their residence.
• A caller reported two people passed out in a vehicle in the parking lot of the Eagles. The subjects were no longer in the area.
• Law enforcement was requested to assist on a disturbance. Peace was restored.
• Officers responded to a
domestic disturbance. The situation was de-escalated, and peace was restored.
June 28
• A resident was upset with a pest control employee who was performing services for their neighbor.
June 29
• An officer restored peace between neighbors that were having an argument.
• An employee called to report three men who were harassing customers in the parking lot. The men left while the caller was on the phone with dispatch.
June 30
• An officer responded to an accidental activation on an alarm.
• An officer responded to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 30 near 1st Street.
• An officer responded to a motorcycle vs. tow truck accident on Highway 30.
July 1
• An employee reported that a person was dancing and acting erratically at their
establishment. An officer was able to get the person to move along.
• A caller advised there were two men fighting on West B Street near 12th.
July 2
• An officer responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a truck and a lift. No injuries were reported.
• A concerned citizen called to report a black dog was sitting on the side of the highway near the bridge.
July 3
• A truck and trailer driving through an alley hit the side of a building, causing damage.
July 4
• A car that had been parked on West C Street was reported stolen. It was later located in another jurisdiction.
• A chihuahua was found in a citizen’s yard.
• Officers responded to a residence where a group of people were reportedly fighting. Peace was restored.
Change ups within Columbia County courts
STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.
Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint James Gibson to the Columbia County Justice Court. Gibson will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming resignation of Diana M. Shera Taylor.
Gibson received nearly 98% of the vote in the May primary running unopposed.
The appointment reflects the will of the majority of voters in Columbia County, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The appointment is effective July 31.
Gibson’s began his career in justice with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in 1978, and he remained with the agency for 30 years, according to his LinkedIn
profile. He has extensive experience as a private investigator, as the owner and private investigator at Jim Gibson & Associates, Inc.
Columbia County Circuit Court
This is the second shake-
up in the Columbia County Court system, as Kotek appointed Nickolas A. Brajcich to the Columbia County Circuit Court on June 25.
Brajcich filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cathleen B. Callahan, and Brajcich has already taken on his new duties.
Brajcich is a graduate of Clatskanie High School. Brajcich was Columbia County’s Deputy District Attorney. He has established community relationships with law enforcement, substance abuse treatment providers, and mental health treatment providers.
History of Columbia County Courts
Columbia County, named for the Columbia River, was created in 1854 from the
northern half of Washington County, according to courts. oregon.gov. Columbia County covers 646 square miles and is bounded on the north and east by the Columbia River, on the west by Clatsop County, and on the south by Washington and Multnomah Counties. Columbia County was the 16th county created in Oregon and is the third smallest county in Oregon after Multnomah and Hood River counties.
The first district court met in 1854 in Milton, which served as the county seat until 1857, when it moved to St. Helens. St. Helens was founded in 1848 and took its name from the nearby Mt. St. Helens. The present courthouse was built in 1906, almost 120 years ago. The signature clock tower and bell were added in 1910. The annex, which now houses most county offices, was constructed in 1968. Columbia County had a county court form of government until 1971, when a board of commissioners was elected.
SHSD welcomes new Chief Financial Officer
SUBMITTED BY ST. HELENS SCHOOL DISTRICT
The St. Helens School District is pleased to announce that Christy Woodard has been selected as the new Chief Financial Officer. Christy began her role on July 1, and has already proven to be a valuable addition to our team.
years of experience from the Hillsboro School District to her new role. She started as an Educational Assistant and advanced through roles such as Office Manager, Technol ogy Innovation Specialist, and Fiscal Planning Special ist, following her Bachelor
Christy is a proud mom to three adult children and a grandmother to a sevenyear-old grandson. Her passions include reading, cooking, and enjoying music, especially on the Oregon
When asked about her new role in the St. Helens School District, Christy stated, “I am driven by a dedication to relationships and customer service, and I am eager to apply my expertise to the District’s missionmunity Through Exceptional
to her new role as the Chief
COURTESY PHOTO James Gibson
COURTESY PHOTOS
Oregon Senator Ron Wyden held a town hall meeting at St. Helens Middle School on Saturday to hear the concerns of constituents in Columbia County.
Wyden Town Hall
Senator Ron Wyden vists St. helens Middle School
Community Events
July 18, 19 & 20 Quilt on the Fence Sale
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Scappoose Middle School turn around off Hwy. 30 in Scappoose. Presented by the Scappoose Senior Center Quilters. Sale features many homemade items.
July 26 Back to our Roots
6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Praise & Worship at Rainier City Park, 681 W A Street in Rainier. For more information please call Angela Wayman at 971-757-0271.
August 1 17th Annual I/DD
Picnic “Heroes of Advocacy”
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. Come by for a petting zoo, face painting, caricatures, costume contest, DJ and dancing, catered lunch, games and more. Feel free to bring a comfortable chair, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen. Visit HeroesofAdvocacyPicnic.eventbrite.com.
August 2-4 Vernonia Friendship Jamboree
Come by for vendors, kid zone, log show, parade, bike show and much more. For more information call Angela Wayman at 971-757-0271.
August 3 Vernonia Log Jam Car Show
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. located inside Vernonia Friendship Jamboree, 377 Bridge Street in Vernonia. Come by for raffles, car show, beer garden, The Decades Band and more. Fore more information call Angela Wayman at 971-757-0271.
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 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 503-5432110.
Lower Columbia River Watershed Council
Lower Columbia Watershed Council meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Clatskanie PUD building. Zoom links are also available. Visit the council’s website for agenda postings and Zoom at www.lowercolumbiariver.org/events-page.
Avamere at St. Helens
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Avamere at St. Helens hosts a Virtual Dementia Support Group – 3rd Wednesday of each month. For more details, contact Jenny Hicks/Avamere at St. Helens at 503-366-8070.
To list an event in the Community Calendar, email details with a phone number that may be published for anyone that might have questions, to chronicleclassifieds@countrymedia.net, or call 503-397-0116.
Events:
July 17 – 21: Columbia County Fair.
August 1: Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting. Thursday, August 1st, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The speaker will be Ryan Williamson of Sourwood Farms, gotakeawalk@yahoo. com. Contact Linda Zahl at ColumbiaCountyOregonBeekeepers@gmail.com for the Zoom link or you can attend in person at the OSU Extension Office in St. Helens.
August 8: Saving Vegetable Seeds program. Chip Bubl, St. Helens Library, 5:30 p.m. Free and open to all. It has really been hot
There are all sorts of weather records being broken by this extended heat cycle. In south county, we have had no days where the daily high temperature was less than 80 degrees F or above. This isn’t the western Oregon I grew up in. For some vegetables like peppers and squash, it is just dandy. It’s a little marginal for tomatoes since they don’t set fruit well on days above the mid 90s.
Gardeners have been focused on watering. The “bank” of soil moisture from quite a wet winter and spring is rapidly being used up. Take a post-hole digger and dig a hole to how much moisture remains in the lower soil profiles.
Temperatures are getting hot and many plants are at crucial stages of growth. We get very little rain in August. New woody trees and shrubs planted this spring or last spring need close attention as they won’t have developed very extensive root systems yet. We used to have a planting “window” for trees into March. Now with the soil profiles drying out faster, the suggestion for trees is to have them planted by February. That would involve working the ground up where you plan to plant them in the fall. We are losing trees in both natural areas and home landscapes due to low soil moisture and I think, by the end of summer, we will see more. Of course, most of our vegetables need very consistent watering. Blueberries need watering after harvest to produce a good crop next year. Same, to a lesser extent, do the cane berries like raspberries and Marion and
Boysen berries need postharvest watering through the summer. Roses benefit greatly from deep watering this month. Apple trees will develop less bitter pit on the fruit (brown, sunken spots on the skin) if they are watered. Your attention will be rewarded.
And finally, some of our smaller oak trees scattered all over St. Helens on basalt will drop their leaves early and godormant until next year. Generally, these trees aren’t dead. But with this changing climate, who knows?
Radishes are hot
I used to get lots of questions about the various types of radishes. Europeans eat them sliced on buttered bread. Radishes are important bit players in summer salads. And the wonderful Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches wouldn’t be nearly as interesting without pickled radishes.
There are lots of radish varieties ranging from the small quarter to fifty-cent piece sized “breakfast” radish to the 4-5 inches carrot shaped types and ultimately the large daikon varieties. All do well as the weather turns cooler. The largest types take the longest time to mature (50+ days). Radishes will store well (with their tops intact) in plastic bags if your refrigerator is set at 40 degrees or lower. They are fairly easy to grow and, because they mature quickly (30-50 days depending on type), should be sown in small patches every week or so. They need even moisture to make a good flavored and well-shaped root.
The two biggest problems with radishes are harvesting them too late (they get fibrous and lose flavor) and the larvae of the cabbage maggot, which burrow into the root and make at least parts of it less appetizing. The first problem is managed by pulling a few radishes as they are getting close and eating them to assess maturity. When ready, harvest them all and refrigerate or pickle them. The second problem is best managed by growing the radishes under a row cover. This excludes the fly and thus their maggoty offspring. Otherwise, cut around their feeding paths and eat the rest (of the radish, that is, not the tiny maggots).
Insect identification
This is the time for lots of insects (and spiders) to be wandering about though I am not sure how the heat will impact them. Most are
harmless and many are quite interesting. Some common insects of this time of year are the ten-lined June beetle, banded alder borers, western tent caterpillars (no sign yet), the destructive carpenter ant queens, and moths of all shape and color. Of these, only the carpenter ant is a cause for serious concern. While tent caterpillars make a very visible protective web and often eat a lot of leaves, they rarely do any lasting damage.
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.
The Oregon State University Food Preservation Hotline (1-800-354-7319)
The hotline is now open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., through October 11th. Extension-certified Master Food Preserver volunteers from several counties take the calls.
Oregon State University Extension Service offers this food preservation and safety hotline every year during the peak canning season. Call the hotline for questions about proper canning techniques, safe recipes to follow, and the locations for pressure canner gauge testing in your area.
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
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Quilt on the Fence Sale
Featuring many homemade items. Presented by the Scappoose Senior Center Quilters. 7/18, 7/19 7/20 from 10 am -4pm Scappoose Middle School turn around off Hwy 30 in Scappoose
Premium Blends of Santa Ana, California and have been recalled nationwide. They are not regulated by the FDA or other agencies for consumer safety.
Patients reported experiencing seizures, agitation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rates and high or low blood pressure, the health authority said.
Oregon officials were alerted to the case last week.
The Diamond Shruumz products were sold online and at retailers nationwide, including at smoke and vape shops and at retailers that sell hemp-derived products such as cannabidiol – CBD – and marijuana related items.
The FDA said they’re no longer for sale. Consumers who’ve purchased them
should not consume them and should throw them away or return them to the company for a refund. The products appeal to children, the health authority said, and advised parents and caregivers to discuss the recall with kids and ensure they don’t eat them.
https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/07/09/ oregon-joins-nearly-
30-states-with-illnesseslinked-to-mushroom-derivedcandies/
Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@ oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
PUBLIC NOTICES
CC24-3003
NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR DISTRICT DIRECTORS OF THE COLUMBIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given that on November 5, 2024, an election will be held for the purpose of electing board director(s) to the following positions for the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District: Positions: Zone 1, 2 years; Zone 2, 4 years; Zone 3, 2years; Zone 4, 4 years;
CC24-3013
Zone 5, 4 years; At Large 1, 4 years. Zone boundaries, eligibility requirements, and copies of the required elections forms may be obtained at the SWCD Office located at 35285 Millard Road; St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 433- 3205. Election forms and information may also be
found at: https://oda.direct/ Elections Each candidate must file a “Declaration of Candidacy” and a “Petition for Nomination Signature Sheet” with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division. The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2024.
PORT OF COLUMBIA COUNTY SCAPPOOSE BAY MARINE PARK: MARINA IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPLAND PHASE 1
Bids Due: August 6, 2024, at 3:00PM INVITATION TO BID Sealed bids for the Port of Columbia County “Marina Improvements Project Upland Phase 1”, must be addressed and delivered to Miriam House, Operations Manager, Port of Columbia County, 100 E Street, Columbia City, OR 97018 by the bid closing time of 3:00pm, on August 6, 2024, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read. A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at the site, 57420 Old Portland Road, Warren, OR 97053 on July 26 at 11:00AM This is a prevailing wage project. The scope of work being considered, but is not limited to, the following: 1. Reconstruct the east end of the upper parking lot for parallel loading parking spaces and relocate ADA parking 2. Widen
CC24-3009
sidewalks to the existing gangway 3. New pavement and restriping of the parking lot adjacent to the marina building 4. Install new pay station and relocate existing pay station 5. Stormwater improvements 6. New electrical connections to pay stations and outdoor outlets 7. Install new hydrant Contract bid documents are available on the Port of Columbia County’s website at www. portofcolumbiacounty.org. The contract bid documents for the above project may be examined at the Port of Columbia County, 100 E Street, Columbia City, OR 97018 on working days, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CC24-3003 NOTICE OF ELECTION FOR DISTRICT DIRECTORS OF THE COLUMBIA SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that
on November 5, 2024, an election will be held for the purpose of electing board director(s) to the following positions for the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District: Positions: Zone 1, 2 years; Zone 2, 4 years; Zone 3, 2years; Zone 4, 4 years; Zone 5, 4 years; At Large 1, 4 years. Zone boundaries, eligibility requirements, and copies of the required elections forms may be obtained at the SWCD Office located at 35285 Millard Road; St. Helens, OR 97051 (503) 433- 3205. Election forms and information may also be found at: https://oda.direct/ Elections Each candidate must file a “Declaration of Candidacy” and a “Petition for Nomination Signature Sheet” with the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Division. The filing deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2024.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of PHILLIP JAY SMITH, Deceased. No. 24PB04930 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of publication of this notice to the personal representative at P. O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain
additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published July 17, 2024. Tonileigh Marie Moorhouse Personal Representative STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law P. O. Box 459 Rainier, OR 97048
CC24-3014
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
Rainier School Board Regular Meeting Calendar 2024-2025 All meetings will begin at 6:30 PM in the Boardroom or watch at: https://www.youtube.com/
CC24-3011
channel/UCbFVOfhXU51si2QLRy8ZyVA July 8, 2024 * Organizational Meeting, August 12, 2024, September 9, 2024, October 14, 2024, November 18, 2024,
December 9, 2024, January 13, 2025, February 10, 2025, March 10, 2025, April 14, 2025, May 12, 2025, June 9, 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE: CHANGE OF MEETING LOCATION
The Scappoose Airport Advisory Committee has rescheduled their Monday, July 29, 2024, meeting as follows: Date: Monday,
CC24-3012
July 29, 2024 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Scappoose Airport New Hangar Building 34090 Sky Way Drive Scappoose, OR 97056
Please contact the Port office at (503) 397-2888 with questions or concerns. Thank you.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF COLUMBIA
Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of STEPHEN T. EVENSON, Deceased. No. 24PB05694 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with vouchers attached, within four months after the date of publication of this notice to the personal representative at P. O. Box 459, Rainier, OR 97048, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published July 17, 2024. Heather N. Schwegler Personal Representative STEPHEN D. PETERSEN, L.L.C. Attorney at Law P. O. Box 459 Rainier, OR 97048.
CC24-3010
NOTICE OF OPEN POSITIONS
The Clatskanie City Council has three (3) councilor positions and one (1) Mayor Position that are up for re-election/election. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor and six (6) Councilors, who serve as volunteers and are appointed or elected at-large. To qualify,
CC24-3007
NOTICE OF LIEN SALE
Public Lien Sale Rainier Mini Storage LLC, 323 W. B St. Rainier, Oregon unit #73 Christina Carlson at 1 PM on 7/27/24 Rainier Mini Storage LLC on-site public auction, cash in hand bid.
a candidate for this position must be a registered voter, a Clatskanie city resident for one year prior to election, and be able to attend one (1) or two (2) evening council meetings per month.
To apply for the volunteer position of Clatskanie City Mayor or Clatskanie City
CC24-3005
Councilor, please pick up an election packet at City Hall or go to the City’s website, www.cityofclatskanie.com to find information. The filing deadline is 5:00 pm August 27th, 2024. The qualified candidates will be on the November 5th, 2024 ballot.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
That the undersigned intends to sell the personal property belonging to Julia Workman in unit #34B and a camper belonging to Santiago Villaruel in space L under the Oregon Self-Service Storage Facilities Act. The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on the 26th day of July 2024 at 11:00 a.m. on the premises where said property has been stored and which is located at Clatskanie Mini Storage, 80 N.W. 4th, Clatskanie, County of Columbia, State of Oregon Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase in cash only. All items sold as is, where is. Dated this 2nd day of July, 2024.
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by 5 p.m. Late submissions are
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS
1. Delhi dress
5. *Individual Neutral Athlete at 2024 Olympics, acr.
8. Mother in #48 Down
12. Joie de vivre
13. Fodder holder
14. External
15. ____ Grey tea
16. Gulf V.I.P.
17. Edible cannabis substance
18. *Famous Olympics basketball team (2 words)
20. 90 degrees on compass
21. Like Al Yankovic
22. Popular deciduous tree
23. College treasurer
26. Balaclava (2 words)
30. Compass point between E and NE
31. Nullify
34. Diva’s delivery
35. Smart ones?
37. Two halves
38. That is, in Latin
39. First queen of Carthage
40. What ivy does
42. ___ chi
43. Hindered
45. Alternative form of a gene
47. Band aid
48. Diet inspired by prehistory
50. European erupter
52. *Michael Phelps predecessor
56. “In the Hall of the Mountain King” composer Edvard ____
57. Black and white killer?
58. U.S. lake
59. From then on
60. Bank claim
61. Decomposes
62. Against, prefix
63. a.k.a. acid
64. State of vexation DOWN
1. Bird feeder morsel
2. a.k.a. Daminozide
3. Hard to find
4. Family addition, pl.
5. *Archer or shooter, e.g.
6. Homer’s classic 7. Accepted behavior 8. *a.k.a. Cassius, 1960 gold medal winner
Greek H’s
Landlord’s due
Heat unit 13. Certain style of humor
Obelus, pl. 19. “The end justifies the
David Belden
Dec. 28, 1946 ~ June 27, 2024
David Belden died peacefully in his sleep June 27, 2024. He was born on Dec. 28, 1946 to Reinert and Elvina (Kraai) Belden at Peabody Hospital in Webster, S.D. David lived his younger years near Andover, S.D. and went to school in Andover. David was in the U.S. Navy from Sept. 15, 1964 to Dec. 21, 1967. He was on the USS Orleck and the USS Epping Forest while in the navy. The ships were off the coast of Vietnam.
David Belden and Sherry Stadsklev were married on Dec. 30, 1967. They moved to Portland, Oregon Jan. 1968 and he started working at Esco. They lived in north Portland until they bought a small farm at Deer Island. They were blessed with a daughter Cindy; son Jon; four grandchildren Jacob, Joshua, Megan, and Ryan; son-in-law Daniel; and
daughter-in-law Storie. ed a company N&B Fabri cation. David became sole owner a few years later and worked very hard at it until 1998 when his health made him retire. They started buying rentals.
David is survived his wife Sherry; daughter Cindy (Daniel) Nonamaker and their children, Jacob and Joshua; son Jon (Storie)
Belden and their children, Megan and Ryan; brother Gary (Marlynne); four sisters, Gail Snethen, Marily DeLaat, Robyn Doll and Kristie Head; sisters-in-law, Nancy Belden, Carolyn Ellefson, and Wanda Strike; brother-in-law LeRoy Snyder; and many nieces and nephews.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Reinert and Elvina; his in-laws, Clarence and Eunice Stadsklev; brother Elden; sister Jeannette Holt; brothers-inlaw, Larry Snethen, Frank Holt, Richard DeLaat, David Head, Roger Ellefson, Eugene Althoff, Dale Strike; sisters-in-law, Carol Stadsklev, Oriet Althoff, and Janet Snyder; nephew Robert Althoff; and great nephew Doug Deutchman.
David was a member of Canaan Community Church, VFW Post 1440, and was the commander for several
years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 42, Veterans Breakfast Club, St. Helens Elks, Coastal Conservation Association, St. Helens Senior Center, and Rocky Mountain Elk. David was a very kind and giving person. He loved his family and took good care of us. He liked fishing, going to Lake Billy Chinook for kokanee and being with friends there, and hunting. He will be missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, please give to the St. Helens Senior Center at 375 S. 15th, PO Box 692, St. Helens, Oregon 97051 for their home delivered meals or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-0050.
A funeral will be held for David at 11 a.m. on July 27, 2024 at the St. Helens Elks Lodge, 350 Belton Rd., St. Helens.
Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s “Gleaner Program”
Inc.
Columbia Pacific Food Bank has announced the launch of its new Gleaning Program. This “innovative initiative aims to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste by harvesting surplus produce from local farmers, gardeners, and orchardists, ensuring fresh, nutritious food reaches those in need.”
What is a Gleaner Program?
A Gleaner Program is a dedicated resource to rescuing surplus produce from local farms and gardens, ensuring that fresh, nutritious food makes its way to those who need it most.
The Gleaning Program will operate throughout the harvest season. The collected produce will be distributed through Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s network of partner agencies, food pantries, and meal programs, reaching thousands of individuals and families facing food insecurity.
Seeking volunteers:
Columbia Pacific Food Bank is calling on community members to get involved in this impactful initiative.
Columbia Pacific Food Bank needs help with:
• Picking produce
• Preparing produce for transportation
• Cleaning produce
• Preparing produce for distribution
Volunteers 18 years or older are encouraged to join the gleaning efforts. Training and equipment will be provided, ensuring a safe and rewarding experience for all participants. with volunteer gleaners visiting participating farms to collect surplus crops.
By partnering with local farmers and volunteers, Columbia Pacific Food Bank will gather fruits and vegetables that would otherwise go to waste. This program provides a sustainable source of fresh produce for the food bank and supports the local agricultural community.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Gleaning Program as part of our ongoing efforts to address hunger in our community,” Interim Executive Director of Columbia Pacific Food Bank Casey Wheeler said. “This initiative allows us to provide healthier food options to our clients while reducing food waste and supporting local farmers. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
This program is being spearheaded and overseen by Al Grabhorn, Food Bank Generalist for Columbia Pacific Food Bank.
STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.
A new report from the Or egon Employment Department illustrates the impact of slow population growth and increas ing retirements in the state. The youngest members of the large Baby Boom Generation, born between 1946 and 1964, turn 60 years old in 2024.
Additional details:
• We are seeking 2-4 volunteers who can commit to 1-2 days per week as needed for the duration of the harvest and growing season ( JuneOctober)
• Gleaning hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., days will vary
• Preference will be given to volunteers who can commit to full days
How to apply:
• Contact Al Grabhorn at al@cpfoodbank.org (Preferred)
• Call 503-397-9708
• Visit the Food Bank during regular business hours Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 1 PM to inquire about volunteering
“We rely on the generosity and dedication of our volunteers to make programs like this possible,”Food Bank Generalist Al Grabhorn added.”Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who are struggling to put food on the table.”
Seeking Community Partners:
Columbia Pacific Food Bank is seeking farmers, medium to large-scale gardeners, orchardists, or anyone with easily accessible crops who is willing to donate medium to large quantities of humanquality produce in exchange for help harvesting and transporting the goods to Columbia Pacific Food Bank. Produce donated to the Food Bank is considered a tax-deductible donation.
In addition to volunteer support, Columbia Pacific Food Bank welcomes dona-
grew by 160,000 or 26%.
Workers in this age group have been, and are expected to continue, shifting into retirement and taking their skills and experience with them.
In 1990, one out of 10 Oregon job holders was age 55 or older. By 2022, that share grew to 24%. In 2023, the number of Oregonians not in the labor force due to retirement reached 786,000, an all-time high. Over the past decade, the number of Oregonians not in the labor force due to retirement
The workforce is aging nationally as well, but Oregon has been at a workforce advantage in boosting its labor force. Decades of population growth – driven primarily by net in-migration – has helped fuel labor force growth, even as the workforce has aged and overall labor force participation rates have generally declined.
Oregon’s population grew by 40% between 1993 and 2023, compared with 30% for the U.S.
Oregon’s natural increase in population turned
negative in 2021 and 2022, with fewer births than deaths, as the COVID-19 pandemic met the long-term trends of an aging population and lower birth rates.
In 2021, for the first time in almost four decades, population estimates showed negative net migration, and an overall decline in Oregon’s population. The declines in natural increase, net migration, and population have contributed to slower labor force growth. Slower gains may be somewhat offset by greater labor force participation among the existing population.
Oregon’s labor force participation rate was 62.4% in 2023, the highest in a decade. That’s still well below the peak of 68.9% in 1998.
During periods like the past couple of years, where low unemployment and relatively large numbers of job
tions to sustain and expand the Gleaning Program. Financial contributions will help cover the costs of transportation, equipment, and other essential resources needed to ensure the program’s success. For more information about the Gleaning Program, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, please visit Columbia Pacific Food Bank’s website at https://cpfoodbank.org/ gleaner-program/ or contact Al Grabhorn at 503-397-9708 or al@cpfoodbank.org.
About Columbia Pacific Food Bank
Columbia Pacific Food Bank serves as the regional food bank for Columbia County, Oregon. Its primary objective is to grant access to fresh and healthy food as well as resources to individuals and families who are struggling with food insecurity in Columbia County. We distribute approximately 16.5 tons of food per week to various food pantries and programs in our distribution network, which includes Scappoose, St. Helens, Rainier, Clatskanie, Vernonia, and Mist-Birkenfeld. Our ultimate vision is to end hunger in Columbia County.
openings are paired with slow labor force growth, that creates a tighter labor market for Oregon employers. That makes it harder for employers to find enough workers to fill all their job openings.
These dynamics may have also contributed to Oregon’s slower job growth in recent years compared to the U.S. Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment expanded by 3.4% between 2019 and 2023, while Oregon’s expanded jobs by 1.2%.
This is a change; typically, Oregon’s job (and labor force) growth exceeds the nation’s over business cycles. If recent labor force and unemployment trends continue, they might further limit Oregon’s growth potential relative to historic norms and the nation.
More details are available in the full report at QualityInfo.org.
Will Howard of Scappoose, Oregon passed away at home on June 30, 2024 at the age of 56.
Will Howard
COURTESY PHOTO
JEREMY C. RUARK / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.
The new Columbia Pacific Food Bank is located at 14th Street and Columbia Boulevard in St. Helens.
St. Helens pro boxer’s second fight rescheduled
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Everything was set for St. Helens professional boxer Haidon Allen’s second professional fight on June 29, and months of preparation were going to be put to the test until the fight was canceled because his opponent couldn’t make weight.
Allen had gone up a weight class to try and find an opponent, but now he’ll have to wait until Aug. 17 to get back in the ring. Allen described his mindset after the setback.
“[I’m] disappointed, but this is going to happen sometimes in my career,” Allen said.
After the fight was called off, Allen’s promoter and
matchmaker got to work finding his next opponent.
His next opportunity will take place in Springfield, Oregon, at the Springfield Readiness Center.
After a brief vacation following the cancellation of his bout against Elroy Fruto, Allen is back in training camp, preparing to try and build off his victory in his debut fight.
Follow this developing story at thechronicleonline. com, thechiefnews.com, and in the Wednesday print editions of the Columbia County Chronicle & Chief. Tickets to the event are available at: https://aftontickets.com/ event/buyticket/p79plldvxk/ arena-wars-fighting-series.
Action needed to close equity gaps with Oregon’s suicide rate
The Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Youth Suicide Intervention and Prevention Plan (YSIPP) annual report shows the risk of youth suicide continues to be a concern in Oregon, particularly for youth of color.
The report contains new analysis of 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) death by suicide data.
By the numbers
In 2022, the most recent year of finalized data from the CDC, 109 Oregon youth ages 24 and younger died by suicide, Oregon’s first yearto-year increase since 2018. Despite the 2022 increase (up from 95 deaths in 2021), there were 16% fewer youth deaths in 2022 compared with a peak of 129 deaths in 2018. Moreover, preliminary data, which will not be finalized until spring 2025, suggest that 2023 will not see a further year-to-year increase in youth suicide rates.
The 2022 data show that Oregon had the 12th highest youth suicide rate in the U.S. Suicide remains the second-leading cause of death in Oregon among this age group.
The YSIPP annual report also highlights Oregon’s investments in this area, including support for statewide programming in youth suicide prevention, intervention and postvention services. The report details important advances in youth suicide prevention in Oregon, such as the addition of 343 suicide prevention trainers in the state, including 67 who speak languages other than English.
“We have made some progress to create a system of suicide prevention that is better connected and better resourced. Yet, the tragedy of youth suicide remains. We need to do more, par-
ticularly for young people of color,” OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke stated in a letter to Oregonians accompanying the report.
Data highlighted in the report show that stark racial disparities remain, both in Oregon and nationwide. Oregon deaths by suicide for youth identified as white have decreased overall since the overall peak in 2018, but the number of suicides for youth of other races and ethnicities either remained similar to 2018 or have increased.
Hope, help, and strength
OHA’s suicide prevention team, along with the hundreds of suicide prevention trainers, advocates, community members and champions around the state, including the Oregon Alliance to Prevent Suicide, are working to implement key initiatives for youth suicide prevention discussed in the YSIPP.
This includes programming that supports young people to find hope, help and strength, training programs to teach youth-serving adults how to recognize
tion Institute, to infuse their cultural theory and model for suicide prevention into existing trainings, policies and programming.
This work, which will increase attention to culturally specific risk and protective factors in Oregon’s suicide prevention efforts, is also an equity initiative highlighted in the 2024 National Strategy.
warning signs of suicide, and advanced skills training for providers to be equipped to help clients heal from thoughts of suicide.
OHA officials and the agency’s partners said they are also working hard to launch culturally specific initiatives to increase protective factors that support youth in Oregon. In 2023-24, these efforts have included:
Tribal prevention programs amplifying “culture as prevention” and hosting train-the-trainers for OHA’s “Big River” youth suicide prevention programming, which is available across the state at low or no cost.
Black, African and African American youth-serving adults creating and sustaining the Black Youth Suicide Prevention Coalition, which is helping to bring healing to Black communities and creating spaces for young people to gather and feel a sense of belonging.
Oregon also was one of eight states invited to participate in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Black Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative Policy Academy, which was highlighted
as a key “Health Equity in Suicide Prevention” strategy in the federal government’s recently released 10-year 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
OHA infused an additional $500,000 of funding to increase the availability of suicide prevention training and trainers who are Latino/a/x, Spanish-speak-
“Thanks to our community partners and leaders, we’ve recognized how important it is to also focus on the cultural strengths and wisdom that have been passed on for generations across communities. As we do work in this way, we experience a bit of healing
tion that centers connections to culture and belonging.
Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988Lifeline.org.
Specialized support is also available through the Veterans Crisis Line (press 1 or text 838255), in Spanish (press 2 or text “AYUDA” to 988) and for LGBTQIA2S+ youth and young adults (press 3 or text “PRIDE” to 988). 988 is also available for individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing through American Sign Language videophone services.
Fast Fact
prevention
remain.
You can’t predict financial emergencies — but you can prepare for them.
To do that, you can build an emergency fund to pay for unexpected expenses, some of which may be sizable. Without one, you might be forced to dip into your investments, possibly including your retirement accounts, such as your IRA or 401(k). If this happens, you might have to pay taxes and penalties, and you’d be withdrawing dollars that could otherwise be growing over time to help pay for your retirement.
In thinking about such a fund, consider these questions:
• How much should I save? The size of your emergency fund should be based on several factors, including your income, your spouse’s income and your cost of living. However, for most people in their working years, three to six months of total expenses is adequate. Once you’re retired, though, you may want to keep up to a year’s worth of expenses in your emergency fund — because you don’t want to be forced to cash out investments when their price may be down, and you may not be replenishing these accounts any longer.
• How can I build an emergency fund? Given all your normal expenses — mortgage, utilities, food, transportation and others — you might find it challenging to set aside some extra money in an emergency fund. But you do have opportunities. If you’re working, you could set up a direct deposit so that part of your paycheck goes directly into your emergency fund. You could also save a portion of any extra income you receive, such as bonuses and tax refunds.
• Where should I keep the money? An emergency fund has two key requirements: You need to be able to access the money immediately and you need to count on a certain amount being available. So, it’s a good idea to keep your emergency fund in a liquid, low-risk account that offers protection of principal. For this fund, you’re less interested in growth than you are in stability. But because interest rates have recently changed, you may be able to get a reasonable return without sacrificing liquidity or safety.
• What types of emergencies should I prepare for? Your emergency fund could be needed for any number of events: a job loss or early retirement, housing or auto repairs, unreimbursed medical bills, unexpected travel, and so on. But
this fund may also be needed to help you cope with other threats. Consider this: In 2023, the U.S. saw a record 28 weather and climate disasters, each of which resulted in at least $1 billion in damages — and often many times this amount — according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Depending on where you live, your home or business may be susceptible to tornadoes, floods, wildfires, hurricanes and extreme heat and cold waves. These events can, and do, result in property repair and relocation costs, higher insurance premiums and even price increases for basic goods, such as groceries and prescription medications.
One final word about an emergency fund: It takes discipline to maintain it and to avoid tapping into it for everyday expenses or impulse purchases. The name says it all — this is a fund that should only be used for emergencies. By keeping it intact until it’s truly needed, you can help yourself weather many of the storms that may come your way. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by
OHA’s suicide prevention team, along with the hundreds of suicide prevention trainers, advocates, community members and champions around the state, including
COURTESY PHOTO FORM HAIDON ALLEN
Haidon Allen and his team after winning his pro debut.