County reopens Apiary Road
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc. A fter months of repairs, Apiary Road has been reopened for use.
Columbia County announced the opening of the road on social media on Aug. 8, saying that the paving had been completed at the site of the closure at Milepost 11.8.
The county said the road will be open, but that some work is still in progress. Drivers are advised to drive slowly through this section because the county is finishing up the last details, including putting up barricades and lane markings.
The county closed the roadway in November 2023 and began soliciting contractors to assist with the project. Columbia County Assistant Director of Public Works
Grant DeJongh detailed the timeline of work on the Apiary road project.
“Emergency work, including emergency excavation, began after the culvert failed in January 2024. In February 2024, formal preliminary survey, geotechnical analysis, and design work began,” DeJongh said. “Reconstruction
efforts began in June 2024, which culminated in the installation of a new structure, rock backfill, and paving.”
DeJongh said the project was “solicited pursuant to an emergency declaration by the county,” and that the costs billed to date are roughly $600,000.
St. Helens bowlers support county veterans
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Strikes and splits aren’t the only good things happening at bowling lanes in St. Helens, as for the third year in a row, the St. Helens branch of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) has gathered donations to help local veterans in need. The donations were then converted into Fred Meyers gift cards, which were gifted to local veterans groups.
Rebecca Pickering is the assistant manager of the St. Helens USBC chapter and is one of the fundraiser’s key organizers. Pickering explained how the fundraiser works.
“Our bowlers donate throughout the whole bowling season, and then we gather those funds and send them to our national association, which is the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL),” Pickering said. Then we get the majority of that portion back, so we can give to our local veterans. We try to keep our funds within the local community and county.”
Pickering said that they convert the funds to gift cards so the money can be used for “gas, clothing, food, whatever their needs are.” This year, Pickering presented $725 to local veteran groups. Members of the St. Helens and Scappoose Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion accepted the donation at the Fred Meyer in
Scappoose on Aug. 9. Pickering described the arrangement as a “great partnership.”
The veterans groups vet the requests from veterans in need to ensure that the funds are going to people who can use them. Kathy Antonich is the historian with the American Legion Post #42 in St. Helens, and she said these additional funds are helpful around the holidays.
“We get requests through different sources, and then we try to vet the requests and come up with families that can particularly benefit from the gift cards,” Antonich said.
“Then they can get holiday food or gifts, or things like that. We’ve had some wonderful thank yous and appreciations from the recipients of those gift cards.”
Roger Antonich is the quartermaster for the Scappoose VFW Post and a member of the St. Helens American Legion Post in St. Helens. He said they monitor different situations throughout the county to best assess who needs the funds and how they can help. While the holidays are often a time of need, he and the veterans groups are keeping track of people who are going through hard times and may benefit from a helping hand.
Scappoose VFW trustee April Beardsley was in attendance for the check presentation, and she said that she appreciates the bowling
See ST. HELENS, Page A10
Starting Aug. 12, the county told drivers on the road to expect single-lane closures as the county completes work on the shoulders, hydroseeding, and cleaning the intersection with Schaffer Road. Traffic will still be allowed, but people are advised to be cautious and patient.
DeJongh said that completion of the Apiary Road project is a welcome development for convenient travel throughout the county.
“Apiary Road is one of the two main non-state highway arterials through Columbia County. It is a major haul route, as well as a throughway for residents, visi-
tors, and emergency services. The completion of this project restores this functionality to the county road system,” DeJongh said. “We also would like to express our appreciation to the residents of the County and the traveling public for their patience during this project.”
Clatskanie resident achieves Navy dream
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
F or Clatskanie’s Nikole
Young, the path to serving her country has been a winding road, but after years of preparation and effort, Young has been commissioned to join the Navy as a Public Affairs Officer (PAO).
Young held a commissioning ceremony to mark the occasion at the Veterans Memorial in Clatskanie on Aug. 2. She was commissioned by her officer recruiter, Lieutenant Commander Blake Hendrick, among friends and family. To reach this point, Young submitted her application, was selected by the Navy Board, was appointed by Congress, and
See CLATSKANIE, Page A9
CCSO hosts National Night Out
T
he Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) held its annual National Night Out event to connect with the community and form relationships with residents of Columbia County.
“Events like National Night Out help humanize the badge and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community, as well as with other agencies throughout the county,” Columbia County Sheriff Brian Pixley said. “It’s also a chance for everyone to have some fun while forming these connections.”
The event was held Aug. 6, and brought agencies from around the county together to link up with people from around the county. Pixley said that based on the amount of meals served, there were around 600 community members in attendance. Pixley said it was the biggest turnout that CCSO has seen at the event, and they hope to continue growing the event in the future.
Attendees had the option to partake in family-friendly activities, and there was free food and beverages for attendees. National Night Out featured two bouncy houses, jail tours, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, burgers and hot dogs, police cars, fire trucks, police horses, a K9 Demo, live music, and a dunk tank.
The dunk tank fundraiser is a
staple of the event, and folks had the opportunity to purchase balls to throw at a target; when they hit the mark, they watched as the person in the tank was dumped unceremoniously
CourteSy pHoto froM CoLuMbIa County a photo of the “apiary washout.”
CourteSy pHoto froM CoLuMbIa County
The completed paving on apiary Road.
CourteSy pHoto froM CCSo
youngster getting close for a toss at the dunk tank.
See CCSO, Page A2
WILL LoHre / Country MedIa, InC
Rebecca Pickering presenting a ceremonial check to april beardsley.
CourteSy pHoto froM LoSt LoCaLS MedIa nikole with her son angus after the commissioning ceremony.
Deadline to file for St. Helens election fast approaching
STAFF REPORT
Country Media, Inc.
The filing deadline for people interested in running for mayor or city council in St. Helens is fast approaching, with filing documents due on Aug. 16.
At the 2024 General Election on Nov. 5, 2024, the St. Helens Mayor and two Councilor positions will appear on the ballot.
The position of mayor is a 2-year term and is presently held by Rick Scholl.
Scholl has held the office since being elected in 2016. The two council seats up for grabs are held by Jessica Chilton and Russell Hubbard. Chilton was elected in 2020, while Hubbard was appointed in September of 2023 as a replacement for Patrick Brikle, who resigned in August of that year.
As of Aug. 13, only Jennifer Massey of St. Helens and St. Helens resident, Steven Toschi, had filed for the position of mayor.
Looking at the race for
city council, King said that only Chilton had filed documents to run for either seat. With the deadline fast approaching, there may some late entrants to the race.
About running for city government
Serving as an elected official certainly requires a significant time commitment but is extremely rewarding and enriching, according to the city. The decisions of the officials produce long-term, qualitative effects upon the community.
If people are interested in running for city council, there are a few requirements they should be aware of:
Qualifications:
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be registered to vote in Oregon.
• Must have resided within the city limits of St. Helens during the 12
months immediately preceding the election.
Details on how to run for City Council are available online at: https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/citycouncil/ page/city-council-election.
Information is also available through “Candidate binders” which can be picked up at City Hall, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.
– 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Candidates have two options to file; by declaration or by petition. The filing period began June 5, 2024.
Option 1 - Candidates filing by declaration
Per the City of St. Helens Municipal Code, people have the option of filing a fee in lieu of obtaining signatures on a petition. The current candidate filing fee is $50 and may be paid here: https://www.municipalonlinepayments.com/
sthelensor/easypay.
Option 2 - Candidates filing by petition
Petition forms must be approved in writing by the City Elections Official before people begin to gather signatures. After the petition is approved, the City Elections Official will return the form to the interested party to start gatheringsignatures. St. Helens candidates must collect 64 valid signatures to place a candidate on the ballot.
All required forms must be properly completed and returned to City Elections Official Kathy Payne no later than 4 p.m. on Aug. 16. Completed forms can be brought to City Hall in person, mailed, faxed, or scanned/emailed.
Drop off or mail forms to:
• City of St. Helens, Attn: Kathy Payne, 265 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR 97051
• Fax: (503)397-4016
• Scan/Email: kpayne@ sthelensoregon.gov
If interested parties mail, fax, or scan/email your documents, people must follow up with City Elections Official Kathy Payne to confirm that their
Gearing up for the Garlic Festival
WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
The Clatskanie Garlic Festival is returning this weekend, and organizers are expecting a strong turnout after drawing thousands of clove-craving visitors last year. The 9th Annual Garlic Festival will be in Copes Park on Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and promises to bring garlic growers and thousands of bulbs of their harvest to bear.
Darro Breshears-Routon and her husband, Steve Routon, started the event in 2016 and are excited to build off a year that drew more than 2,000 people to Clatskanie in 2023. The Garlic Festival has established itself as the most popular day for the Clatskanie Farmer Collective in recent years. Coming off last year’s success, BreshearsRouton said the event is set to be the biggest yet.
“We’re able to get more garlic producers and more prepared food stands because people know there are crowds coming,” BreshearsRouton said. “We’ve got garlic growers from Washington and around the Salem and Eugene area, coming a pretty big distance to participate. So we’ll have thousands of bulbs of bulbs of beautiful garlic.”
Breshears-Routon said that this has been an excellent garlic-growing year and that the bulbs are “big and beautiful.” While the festival started with just Routon and Breshears-Routon, planting the seeds of a community event, it has grown year after year. This year, BreshearsRouton said there will be about 50.
Complex crop
Routon said an interesting thing about the festival is seeing people get excited about the complexity of garlic. All 11 major horticultural varieties will
be represented, as well as dozens of unique strains.
“What’s interesting about garlic is the complexity of the topic. What’s interesting about the festival is that everybody is catching on to that, and the enthusiasm is obvious,” Routon said. “The queues in front of the vendor’s booths are something that is very unusual for this market, and just the general level of optimism and excitement for a very common plant that everybody grows is kind of fun.”
At just their booth, Routon and Breshears-Routon will have 19 different types of garlic, and that’s just a microcosm of what will be available for garlic aficionados to explore. If people have questions, they will be able to ask the people most familiar with the product because the vendors are the ones who have raised the bulbs from the ground.
“It’s cool in that you have access to the people who really know garlic. That’s what the little festival has done; it’s attracted people that really know their stuff,” Routon said. Breshears-Routon said that the festival’s goal is not only to sell “great tasting garlic,” but also to educate people about the shelf life of garlic and the different types to use.
“They can have their really gourmet, hot, unique garlic early on that doesn’t have as long of a shelf life, and then start eating the soft neck garlic that’s a bit milder, but lasts an entire year,” Breshears-Routon said. “So, they can walk away with a year’s worth of garlic and know that they’re going to eat fresh garlic all year long.”
Giving customers the full spectrum of garlic is part of the fun for Breshears-Routon and Routon, as they not only expand people’s flavor profiles but also their understanding of the diverse crop.
Breshears-Routon even said there will be an ice cream vendor in attendance, and you guessed it, garlic ice cream will be among the flavors they offer.
Lots to look forward to
In addition to the thousands of bulbs of garlic that will be for sale, there will be vendors selling food and a “Garden of Libations,” which will be offering locally produced ales and distilled drinks along with the non-alcoholic carbonated drink called jun.
As people walk from stand to stand, there will be live music performed by Joe and Briar to open the day, followed by The Lorna Baxter Septet. Joe and Briar will perform an “eclectic blend of genres,” with Briar singing over Joe’s acoustic string compositions, while The Lorna Baxter Septet soothe with a mix of blues, rock, and pop but “landing squarely in the world of Jazz.”
As a part of the Clatskanie Farmers Collective, the festival will also feature many of the local artists, crafters, and makers that make the Clatskanie Farmers Market special to the community.
Something special about the event is that it expands the Clatskanie community beyond the town and attracts people from Astoria to Portland and beyond. Routon said the festival is still true to its original goal: to unite the community.
“The festival clearly has been about garlic, and that’s what everybody looks forward to, but it’s turned into a catalyst that draws the community together,” Routon said. “Clatskanie is a community that likes its celebrations, and add it to the list; this is one that’s here to stay. This is its ninth year, and it’s going to be around for a while. We’re looking forward to it.”
Celebrating 40 Years of Public Power
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
We look forward to another 40 years of providing you with safe, reliable, affordable electricity.
CourteSy pHoto froM Laurey WHIte
one of the stands at the 2023 Garlic Festival in Cope’s Park.
CourteSy pHoto froM darro breSHearS-routon
The Clatskanie Garlic Festival drew more than 2,000 people last year.
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.
Rainier Police depar tment
July 25
• A wallet was turned in as found property.
July 26
• Officers responded to a domestic dispute. the argu-
ment was verbal only, and peace was restored.
July 27
• A caller reported a suspicious person who was ‘flailing’ around. the person was dancing and checked out to be okay.
• The owner of a vehicle reported it was stolen in rainier during the time a relative had borrowed the vehicle.
• An employee called to report a disturbance involving several people in their parking lot. Upon arrival, officers were informed by witnesses that the subjects were intoxicated, and the disturbance was verbal only. All parties had dispersed prior to
the officer’s arrival.
July 28
• Two residents complained about a dog barking on Old rainier road.
• A burglar y at a local restaurant was reported.
July 29
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on east 2nd Street. The van was no longer in the area.
• Officers checked on a suspicious vehicle on Mill Street. The vehicle checked out fine.
July 30
• An abandoned vehicle was tagged for tow.
• A caller reported hearing screaming and yelling at a
residence. Upon arrival, officers found the residents to be sleeping and everything appeared to be okay.
July 31
• An employee reported that two people attempted to break into their building earlier in the morning. The suspects were scared off by local citizens.
• An abandoned vehicle was tagged for tow.
• A caller reported ‘approximately 400’ cans on the road, causing a hazard to motorists.
• A concerned citizen reported a man who was looking inside of vehicles. No one was found in the area.
• A metal door on West
2nd was removed from the roadway.
august 1
• Officers assisted a disabled motorist on the bridge.
• A vehicle was hit by an unknown motorist in the Dollar General parking lot.
• A citizen was concerned about a juvenile that was playing at the beach. The child was there with siblings and a parent was aware of where they were.
• A caller was worried about an individual who had been in the restroom at the marina for an extended period of time. the person was okay
• An officer checked on the welfare of a man who appeared to be camping on
church property.
august 2
• An officer checked on a person in a vehicle after receiving a call reporting a suspicious circumstance.
• A concerned citizen reported that a dog had been in a car for at least 20 minutes, and appeared to be hot. the vehicle was gone when the officer arrived.
• A business reported trespassing a subject from the premises.
• An officer responded to an alarm that was accidentally activated.
• An officer checked on a report of a suspicious vehicle/ circumstance. ever ything checked out fine.
Oregon Hill Farms under new ownership
STAFF REPORT
Country Media, Inc.
Many St. Helens locals may know of Oregon Hill Farms because they may have picked strawberries for Fred Luttrell back in the day. But, over time, the berry fields disappeared, and Oregon Hill became what is known as “a co-packer,” a facility that makes and packs food products.
Since transitioning to a co-pack operation, the company has become known for its fruit jams and syrups made from crops grown in Oregon.
For the better part of the last two decades, the company was owned by Tom and Carmen McMahon of St. Helens. With the McMahons stepping back and retiring at the end of April, they sold the business to a group of locals interested in expanding production.
The new owners are Dave and Kathy Innocenti, Brad and Elisa Rakes, Randy and Illine May, Terry and Eileen McMahon (no relation to the former owners), and David and Mindy Sass. The ownership group took over May 1. While the ownership may be new, Dan McMahon, Tom and Carmen’s son, has remained the production manager for the company.
Different backgrounds
Brad Rakes said that though none of the new owners have experience in the co-packing industry, they all
bring skills from their other professions.
Randy May is a retired contractor and has been overseeing bids for replacing the roof. Elisa Rakes has been managing social media and updating the gift shop at the facility. David Sass has been using his plumbing skills to handle maintenance for the company. Illine May has taken on looking for business grants and connecting with economic development resources, while Eileen McMahon is using her experience to develop an inventory management system. Terry McMahon has taken on re-stocking products being sold at St. Helens Market Fresh, and Mindy Sass, who owns Sass at Home and NW Plumbing with her husband and who is also an accountant, has been the go-to source for many aspects of retail and accounting questions.
“Everybody brings different experiences, and that’s been really amazing because we all have different connections; we all have different business experience that can lend itself to running a place like this, even though none of us have done co-packing before,” Kathy Innocenti said.
Co-packing and production
In addition to jams and syrups, the facility also produces barbecue sauces, honey, Bloody Mary mixes, and other bar mixers, some of which are packed for
other companies. Oregon Hill Farms is excited to bring its signature Bloody Mary mix to the Portland Bloody Mary Festival this fall.
Kathy Innocenti explained that co-packing is packaging products for customers, as well as Oregon Hill Farm product lines. Operations Manager Brad Rakes explained that process.
“Somebody might have a recipe for barbecue sauce, and they want someone to prepare it and bottle it for them because you can’t do it in your own kitchen, obviously, so they give us the recipe, and we make it in big batches and bottle it up,” Brad Rakes said.
Kathy Innocenti said they sell a lot of their own
product, but they have also been increasing their “private labeling,” which means they are selling their product to companies that can label it as their own. Though there is no longer a farm component to Oregon Hill Farms, the owners said that about “99 percent” of the ingredients they use for their products are sourced from Oregon.
In addition to producing their own line of honey they are expanding their St. Helens Bloody Mary line with additional flavors. They are also working on ideas for other products, including dry spice mixes, and the owners said they see a lot of possibilities for expanding what they can offer customers.
“We see so many op-
portunities to bring in new customers. The first couple of months, we were spending learning the business, working the customers that we already have. Dave’s been making calls,” Kathy Innocenti said. “We’ve done events, like we were at the [county] fair, Citizens Day at the Park, just to get the brand reintroduced in the community, and now we’re starting to see the results of some of the phone calls that have been made.”
The owners noted the importance of Chris Ludwig, who is the head cook of the operation, and he has worked at the company for six years.
Brad Rakes and Kathy Innocenti said that Ludwig is in charge of scaling and making
all of the recipes that they need to produce.
Another integral member has been Dan McMahon. His staying on has eased the transition for the new managers. Having worked under his parents prior to the acquisition, McMahon has done a lot of the heavy lifting for training everyone as they take on this new endeavor.
“It would have been impossible without him,” Brad Rakes said. “None of us know anything about this, so we needed him! He’s been instrumental.”
What’s ahead?
Some of the big plans the new owners have for the company are remodeling the on-site gift shop, reconnecting with former customers who fell away during the pandemic, participating in local events, and expanding online sales. Once they have the renovations done on the facility, they hope to host tastings and events at the property. Oregon Hill Farms is located at 32861 Pittsburg Road in the Yankton area of St. Helens. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday, 9-3, and some products are also available at Sass at Home, Lightning Treats & Sweets/ Rose Street Boutique, and St. Helens Market Fresh.
“We’ve got a lot of exciting things coming down the pipeline,” Kathy Innocenti said. “We’re all looking forward to seeing the process and how it works.”
Rainier Senior Center Silent Auction and Dinner
SubMITTEd
JereMy C. ruark / tHe CHIef
The Rainier Senior Center is located at 48 West 7th St. in Rainier.
CourteSy pHoto froM CCSo
The K9 demo.
CourteSy pHoto froM CCSo Kids getting cotton candy during national night out.
WILL LoHre / Country MedIa, InC
Kathy innocenti in the oregon hill Farms gift shop.
Tomato season off to a strong start
CHIP bubL Garden Plots Chronicle & Chief Guest Column
Events:
September 5 Columbia County Beekeepers Monthly meeting. Thursday, September 5, at 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Tom Cinquini from Sowers Apiaries will be our speaker. Tom is a very fun speaker. 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.
Tomato season to date
We had great tomato weather from mid- June, July and into August. Most gardeners have started picking some ripe tomatoes. With warm weather, harvest should jump. I am concerned about disease reservoirs on the lower and older tomatoes leaves. If those leaves don’t look well (yellowing or brown patches), remove them.
Blossom end rot (a calcium mineral disorder, not a disease) can be slowed by adequate and deep even watering. Once a fruit starts showing the brown bottom end, it will not mature normally and should probably be removed and disposed of to give the other tomatoes the nutrients and water it was getting.
Late blight disease is always a concern if we get a rainy patch. Right now, there is a possibly dicey weather forecast in the works, perhaps starting around August 20, and getting worse from the 23rd to the 25th. You tomato growers should get some copper fungicide and spray it on the plants before rain starts. Follow the instructions on the package. Repeat in dry weather breaks until good weather returns.
One August about 25 years ago, we got a week in early August of very moist and foggy weather. Almost all the tomato plants looked like a blowtorch hit them. There is not much salsa or anything else tomato-related that season. Most copper fungicides are acceptable in organic plant protection.
Bitter cukes (and other squash)
I have gotten my first calls about bitter cucumbers. To review, bitterness in cucumbers is concentrated in the ends and the skin but can suffuse throughout the fruit. It is caused by a combination of genetics and plant stress. Pickling cucumbers are more likely to be bitter since they are normally evaluated
after being pickled. The bitterness disappears in pickling, so there has been little selection against bitterness in these lines.
Slicers are more likely to be bitter if they are droughtstressed, the weather is too cool, the soil is over-watered, or a powdery mildew infection has flared up. All of these events activate the “defensive” genes that help protect the plant but cause the bitter flavors to develop. Best advice: Find a slicer type that consistently works for you and stick with it. Volunteer winter squash and some summer squashes can also show serious bitter flavors. Do not eat them.
Termites (and carpenter ants) on the wing
Flying termites don’t indicate that your house is infested with termites. The insects are part of our wood decay cycle and are very common. They certainly have been around far longer than humans in this landscape. The reproductive members of the two termite species fly this time of year to mate. Fertilized queens drop to earth, shed their wings and look for a suitable home. Suitable is the key. A dampwood termite requires continuously wet wood. If there is no dirt piled up against your house or leaking pipes in the walls, you don’t have to worry about the dampwood termite. They can’t live there. If you have a wet wood infestation, replace the damaged wood and correct the source of the moisture. Treatment is rarely justified. The subterranean termite is more devious. It also must have moisture. But it can conduct moisture up mud tubes from the earth into your house structure. Crawl under your house once a year to look for these tubes. If you find them, you may then need to hire an exterminator. But don’t get too complacent. Carpenter ants are our number one wood-destroying pest in Columbia County, and they are very destructive. They don’t require wet wood, though they do readily infest it. But that is a story for another column. If you suspect a carpenter ant infestation, you should have your house inspected and develop a treatment plan.
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 11. 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 Service – Columbia County
• 505 N. Columbia River Highway
• St. Helens, OR 97051
• 503-397-3462
Chip Bubl is a retired Oregon State University Extension Service agent for Columbia County.
august
Community Events
unique strains! Shop from over 50+ vendors in our picturesque park along the Clatskanie River. Enjoy farm to table culinary delights, live music and the “Garden of Libations!” featuring local beer, cider, brandy and garlic cocktails!
august 15 hR for Small business Class
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. South Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, 2194 Columbia Blvd, St Helens. Learn more about Hr best practices for small businesses in this free class! Our Speaker Sarah Stephenson, founder of Humane Resources, will cover the need-to-knows about hiring, retention, building a strong work culture, labor laws, Oregon’s new paid leave law, trends in the workforce, and more. Breakfast & Coffee will be provided. Please RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/956292294997? aff=oddtdtcreator.
august 15 end of Summer Party
10 a.m. St. Helens Library 375 S 18th in St. Helens. Come and celebrate the end of the summer Library Challenge with games, dancing and snacks. designed for ages birth to 12 years old august 15 hometown heroes of Columbia County meeting
5:30 p.m. at the lobby at the Sheriff’s department, 901 Port Avenue in St. Helens. Contact Malinda at 503-3664611.
august 16 Senior Fraud Seminar
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. St Helens Senior Center, 375 S 15th St, St Helens. Know a senior who wants to boost their fraud-fighting techniques? Share this free seminar with them. nathan Cox, Inroads president/Ceo will be discussing some of the most common scams affecting senior citizens, how to spot them, and how to avoid them.
august 16 Reach for the Stars annual Summer Circus
Starts at 5:30 p.m. Copes Park, Clatskanie. Join Reach the Stars youth arts Students for their Annual Summer Community Circus! The students have been rehearsing hard to present this free community performance, free face painting, free balloon animals, and treats to purchase. Come on down to copes park for the greatest show on Earth!
august 16 movie by moonlight in heritage Park
6 p.m. pre-movie events begin at Heritage park, 52469 Se 2nd Street in Scappoose. Indiana Jones & the Dial of destiny starts at dusk. bring a blanket and chair. Movie Trivia with film director Brian Trenchard-Smith. Dollar hot dogs and hamburgers grilled up by the Scappoose Police department.
august 17 9th annual Clatskanie Garlic festival 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. 60 Lillich St, Clatskanie, Oregon. There will be thousands upon thousands of garlic bulbs, all 11 major horticultural varieties and dozens of
august 17, 3rd annual overdose awareness Day 2024 11 a.m. McCormick park, St. Helens. To honor the ones who have lost their lives to overdoes. to be a support to the families and friends affected by overdoes. to raise awareness and provide resources to families and individuals still in active addiction. narcan training and Information, recover y and Resource tables, Guest Speakers, Live band, drumming Circle, Raffle Prizes
august 17 nami (national alliance on mental illness) Support Group 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Elks Veteran Bunker (House), 125 South 13th St., St. Helens. The group’s focus is self-care for those who have a loved one with mental illness. Contact Judy thompson for more information, 503-3976056.
august 17 2nd annual aRm Rocking Recovery
12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Columbia Fairgrounds, 58892 Sausler Rd, St. Helens. Association of Recovering Motorcyclists (A.R.M) Chapter 100 is giving back to our community. August 17th All Day, 12pm-10pm! Family Friendly Open to the Public. We can’t wait to see you there! Live Music-Car Show-VendorsFood-Prizes.
august 17 Rainier Diamond athletics 1st annual Diamond Dinner 6 p.m. – 12 a.m 110 e 1st St, Rainier. We are thrilled to announce our 1st Annual diamond dinner the event will take place on August 17th 6 p.m. at the rainier Eagles. Tickets are $30 each, including entry, prime rib dinner, and live music. Beverages will be available to purchase separately. There will also be a silent dessert auction. All proceeds will go toward our batting cage project. Come learn more about who we are, honor the 2013 softball state championship team, and support our project to enhance the athletic experience for athletes in the Rainier community! VENMO: rainierdiamondathletics
Please contact Eric Schimmel (360) 430-9480 if you are interested in purchasing a ticket or have any questions! *must be 21 or older to purchase a ticket*
august 20, business lending on TaP 6:15 p.m. 1935 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens. oin Wauna Credit union on august 20th (6:15 - 7:15 p.m.) for their business Lending on tap event, a unique opportunity to sip and learn about business lending in a welcoming and exciting environment. The first 20 attendees will receive a complimentary pint of their beverage of choice. Pam Weller, Wauna Credit Union’s SVP of Commercial Loans, will be on hand to give you tips and tricks on how to manage your business lending experience effectively. This is a free event;
please register on Eventbrite. Come as you are. See y’all there! RSVP for free here: https://www.eventbrite.com/ cc/2024-munch-n-learnseries-2947419.
august 20 book club “The henna artist” by alka Joshi 7:15 p.m. St. Helens Librar y, 375 S 18th, St. Helens, Armstrong room. Join us on the third tuesday of the month.
august 23 movie by moonlight in heritage Park 6 p.m. pre-movie events begin at Heritage park, 52469 Se 2nd Street in Scappoose. Gran turismo starts at dusk. Bring a blanket and chair. Sweetwater will perform. Dollar hot dogs and hamburgers grilled up by the Scappoose Police Department.
august 24 2024 household hazardous Waste Collection 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Columbia County transfer Station 1601 Railroad Ave, St. Helens. For questions, call Jake anderson at 503-397-7259.
august 24 Vernonia Community Wide Garage Sale 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Maps on Facebook. The Vernonia community is coming together Saturday august 24th, 9am-5pm, for a communitywide garage sale. Mark your calendar and come find some great stuff!
august 24 Vernonia ballet Registration 1 p.m. 375 North St, Vernonia. Join us for a parentstudent meeting at 1pm on August 24th to learn more about Vernonia Ballet, this year’s program, and register for classes. We offer ballet and drama classes for ages 3 and older! Classes will be held on Monday’s & Wednesday’s this year at the grange. This will be our 18th season! august 26 Veterans Park Cleanup 9 a.m. at Veterans Park, Columbia City. Bring gloves and tools for weeding. august 27 meeting to discuss lignetics 6 p.m. at Community Hall, Columbia City. This is an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and explore actions to be taken.
august 28 hazard mitigation meeting
6 p.m. at City Hall. 1840 Second St, Columbia City
august 29 open house for Columbia River PuD Celebration of 40 years 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 64001 Columbia River Hwy, Deer Island, OR 97054. Come celebrate 40 years of Columbia river pud providing years of providing public power, Hots to be provided, fun activities for kids and giveaways for all. There will also be a slideshow displaying historic images of the pud throughout the afternoon.
august 30 movie by moonlight in heritage Park
6 p.m. pre-movie events begin at Heritage park, 52469 Se 2nd Street in Scappoose. et starts at dusk. bring a blanket and chair. Alien Costume Contest and free cake from Fred Meyers. Dollar hot dogs and hamburgers grilled up by the Scappoose Police department.
PINIONObITuARIES
Fax: 503-357-4421 office@fuitenrosehoyt.com
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Debra Kay Kelley. She was born to Bob & Kay Hansen on October 7, 1957. Debbie went to be with the Lord on August 8, 2024. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Leonard Kelley, her loving children, Derek Kelley, Jamie (James) King, Stephanie (Johnny) Martin, Tiffany Kelley, and Katie Kelley, her sisters,
Gregory Michael Stanek, born June 28, 1962, passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 62. Greg is survived by his daughter, Kim Sabo; his son, Jeff Stanek; and his brothers, Chris Stanek and Rick Stanek.
Greg’s life, though marked by its share of complexities, left a lasting impression. His passing brings a sense of peace and comfort to those who
Debra Kay Kelley Oct. 7, 1957 ~ Aug. 8, 2024
Gayle (Gene) brewer, Robyn (Dennis) Yeoman, and Sonja (Steve) Lorenzo, 11 devoted grandchildren, 11 amazing great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Debbie loved spending time with family, sewing/ quilting, cooking, scrapbooking, shopping, researching family genealogy, family sporting events, and taking trips to the casino. Debbie was known for her kind heart and unwavering love for her family.
Viewing will be on August 21, 2024 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Groulx Family Mortuary with a rosary being said at 11 a.m. Her service will be held on August 23, 2024 at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Church in Rainier at 11 a.m., followed by her burial at Hudson Cemetery, and a luncheon. Her love will be forever and always carried in the hearts of her remaining family and friends.
Gregory Michael Stanek June 28, 1962 ~ July 31, 2024
knew and loved him. As we reflect on his life, we choose to extend grace and remember the moments of joy we shared with him. He was a son, a brother, a father, and a friend. May we all remember the best parts of him, and may he find the serenity that eluded him in life.
Greg was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Stanek; his mother,
Rosemary Stanek; his father, Richard Stanek; and his brother, Jeffrey Stanek There will be no formal service. Greg will be laid to rest at the family burial site in Ashland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reclaiming Lives at reclaiming-lives. org. Our family appreciates the support, privacy, and kindness extended during this time of reflection.
Vern Earl Runyan, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away in his St. Helens home at the age of 70 on July 22, 2024. Born on February 5, 1954, in Libby Montana, he was the adored son of Buddy and Joan Runyan, who predeceased him. The family moved to the St. Helens area in 1967 when Vern was just 13 where he graduated from St. Helens High school in 1973. After graduation he worked for Cotter & Co. but eventually moved on to work for the Laborers Union at the age of 33 where he remained until he retired. Vern was known for his love of camping, traveling,
and exploring new places. His passion for music, tinkering in his shop, and enjoying water sports and social gatherings reflected his zest for life. Although a Northwest boy, he also
loved traveling to sunny destinations, particularly the Caribbean and learning all the history in these new locations. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, where he cherished the camaraderie of his fellow members.
Vern is survived by his three children, Joani Runyan, Amber Seely (Tyson), Brenten Runyan, and his faithful dog Lily. His legacy lives on through his three grandchildren, Auston, Harper, and Claire who adored their “funny Grandpa”. He is also survived by his two brothers, Carl, Kenneth and sister Sheryl. His memory will be fondly cherished by all who knew
Steven Freeman Oct. 10, 1953 ~ April 10, 2023
Please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.
him for his warmth, humor, and generous spirit. Although Vern and his former wife, Mary Lehto, parted ways, they remained connected through their shared love of their family.
Vern’s warm smile, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who know him. His family invites you to celebrate his life and remember your wonderful moments with him at Yankton Community Fellowship on August 30, 2024, at 1:30pm. Because Vern has a soft spot and immense love of animals, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to an animal shelter in his honor.
Lonely people tend to have more nightmares, Oregon State University research shows
STEVE LuNdEbuRG Chronicle & Chief Guest Article
People who are lonely are more apt to have bad dreams, according to a collaboration that included an Oregon State University scientist.
The findings are important because both loneliness and sleep disorders are serious public health issues, said OSU’s Colin Hesse. They are connected to increased risk of heart disease, stroke and premature death.
In a paper published in the Journal of Psychology, Hesse and researchers at the University of Arizona, the University of Tampa and Whitworth University note that stress is part of the link between loneliness and both nightmare frequency and intensity.
Other factors tying loneliness to nightmares appear to be rumination –worry and anxiety – and hyperarousal, described as the state of being extra alert and focused. Like stress, rumination and hyperarousal are mind states associated with loneliness.
According to the Sleep Foundation, an estimated 50 million to 70 million Americans have some type of sleep disorder.
“Quality restorative sleep is a linchpin for cognitive functioning, mood regulation, metabolism and many other aspects of well-being,” Hesse said. “That’s why it’s so critical to investigate the psychological states that disrupt sleep, loneliness being key among them.”
The U.S. surgeon general’s office reports that even before COVID-19, about half of American adults reported measurable levels of loneliness, and that lacking connection is on par with smoking for raising the risk of premature death.
Statistics from the Surgeon General’s Advisory on Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation include:
• A 29% increased risk of heart disease.
In addition to shedding light on a potential adverse effect of too little human connection, the findings of the study led by Kory Floyd of the University Arizona are in line with the evolutionary theory of loneliness, which posits that a sense of belonging is essential to human survival.
“Interpersonal relationships are very much a core human need,” said Hesse, director of the School of Communication in OSU’s College of Liberal Arts.
“When people’s need for strong relationships goes unmet, they suffer physically, mentally and socially. Just like hunger or fatigue means you haven’t gotten enough calories or sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert individuals when their needs for interpersonal connection are going unfulfilled.”
Loneliness is a pervasive condition that significantly hinders wellness, the researchers point out, causing suffering in a range of forms including impaired sleep. The experience of nightmares is one way that sleep quality is damaged.
The findings tying loneliness to nightmares – in a correlative way, rather than a causative one, Hesse stresses – come from sur-
veys by the authors encompassing more than 1,600 adults in the United States, ranging in age from 18 to 81.
The results also offer an explanation for nightmares that’s rooted in evolution –humans evolved to experience stress, rumination and extra alertness when lonely – rather than environmental factors, such as having experienced some type of trauma.
“It’s too early to talk about specific interventions in a concrete sort of way,” Hesse said, “but our findings are certainly consistent with the possibility that treating loneliness would help lessen someone’s nightmare experiences. That’s a possibility to address in controlled, clinical studies.”
• A 32% increased risk of stroke.
• A 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults.
• A greater than 60% chance of premature death.
In addition, people who often feel lonely are more than twice as likely to develop depression than those who rarely or never feel lonely.
The Flora Family Fund at Whitworth University supported the research into loneliness’ connection with nightmares.
Steve Lundeberg is a
CourteSy pHoto froM oSu The findings are important because both loneliness and sleep disorders are serious public health issues,
Vern Earl Runyon Feb. 5, 1954 ~ July 22, 2024
Christine Vietmeier-McDonald, 76, of Rainier, Oregon passed away on Aug. 8, 2024.
Christine Vietmeier-McDonald
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Veteran Car Donations
Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-866-6959265 today!
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Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877557-1912 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
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Accounts Payable Specialist Columbia County, OR EOE Deadline 8/20/2024 Apply at ColumbiaCounty OR.gov
702
Garage Sales
Garage Sale Fri Aug 16-Sat Aug 17 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Multi-family kitchen stuff, blankets, clothing misc, 59835 Battle Mt Rd off Pittsburg by reservoirs
706
Estate Sales
Estate Sale Deer Island, 65900 Meissner Rd, Deer Island, Thursday Aug 15, Friday Aug 16 and Saturday Aug 17 from 9-3, 1972 VW bug, Kawasaki motorcycle, brush hog with lawnmower, flat bed trailer, power wagon with bucket, riding lawnmower, lots of tools, theater chairs, bedroom furniture, xbox 360, lots of yard equipment, 1999 V-Star Yamaha motorcycle with extra, still unpacking more, 10 miles off of highway 30 from Deer Island store, Don’t miss
of St. helens Public library fourth Wednesday of each month 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium, St. Helens Library, 375 S 18th in St. Helens, The Friends organization supports library programs and services through book sales and encouragement of book and monetary donations.
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 4th - Sept. 28th) 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. next to Heritage
For Sale Toddler Blue Car Bed with mattress $50. Women’s Mountain Bike $50. Call Judy Hanson 971-203-4496 in the afternoon
Small Quiet Community and walkable to Scappoose Businesses Studios; $1000 1 Bedroom; 1100 2 Bedroom House: 1400 SPECIAL: 12 months of HighSpeed Internet Free. Please contact Cari for more information 503369-5087.
804 Apts Unfurnished
park in Scappoose, oregon. Come by for nursery plants, herbs, flowers, food, handmade products by local craftsmen and more. For more information call 503-7307429 or www.scappoosefarmermarket.com.
St. helens Public library ukulele orchestra 10 a.m. St. Helens Library, 375 S 18th in St. Helens.
St. helens Writers Guild Second Saturday of the month noon – 2p.m.St Helens Library, 375 S 18th in St. Helens.
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
PubLIC NOTICES
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,
CC24-3027
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
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.
SCHEDULED STORAGE AUCTION
Please take notice ORS
87.685 et. seq. K & B Storage, 970 Oregon Street, St. Helens, Or. 97051 Intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the Unit by the
CC24-3028
occupant at the facility as listed below. This auction sale by unit will occur at the facility listed above on the 14th day of September 2024 at 10:00 am. This sale may
be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms & conditions apply. Call 971 203-4616. Nathan Gotcher Unit #104 10 x 10. Cash Only.
In the Matter of the Estate of: Ross Alan Williams, Deceased. Case No. 24PB02133
NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Susan Wellington has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Susan Wellington,
CC24-4001
TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE
Reference is made to that certain trust deed made by William Walker as grantor, to Ticor Title Company of Oregon, as trustee, in favor of Jeffrey A. Peterson, Trustee of the Joan L. Peterson Trust F/B/O Jeffrey A. Peterson, dated December 20, 2018, as beneficiary, dated October 20, 201, recorded October 22, 2021 as Fee Number 2021-12155, and re-recorded to correct the legal description on November 4, 2021 as Fee Number 2021-12565 Records of Columbia County, Oregon, covering the following described real property situated in said county and state,
255 MacArthur Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, 971757- 0973, personal representative of the estate of Ross Alan Williams, 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 August 14, 2024.
NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE
Filed in the Office of County Clerk 8/07/2024.
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that a ballot title for a measure to be referred by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners has been filed with the Columbia County Clerk on August 7, 2024. A measure election will be held within the boundaries of Columbia County on November 5, 2024. The election will be conducted by mail. The ballot title caption is: 4- Year Jail Operating Tax Levy Caption 4-Year Jail Operating Tax Levy Question Shall Columbia County levy a tax of $0.79/$1000.00 of assessed value for four years beginning in FY2025 for Jail operations? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent. Summary In 2014, 2017, and 2020, voters approved a jail operating levy, expiring in 2024. The Jail’s
primary funding sources are the County’s General Fund, Federal bed rentals, and the Jail Operating Tax Levy. Since 2020, the County’s General Fund support for the Jail has increased. However, operating expenses have increased by $1,500,000 due to medical costs. To cover these rising costs, the Jail has been using reserve funds since 2020 which are no longer available. A 50% increase in General Fund support is not sustainable. Operation of the Jail at current levels is now dependent upon Federal bed rentals which are not guaranteed. Without a new levy rate of $0.79 per $1,000 of assessed value, the Jail will not be able to operate at current capacity leading to staff reductions, fewer jail beds, and a shift to a “book and release” model. A complete Jail closure is possible. The proposed tax levy will fund continued operations through
FY2027-2028, including constitutionally mandated healthcare for adults-incustody, food services, clothing, and Jail management. The estimated money raised will be $5,057,189, in FY2024-2025; $5,270,715 in FY2025-2026; $5,493,256 in FY2026-2027 and $5,725,194 in FY2027-2028, for a total estimated tax levy of $21,546,354. Any elector of the district may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the Columbia County Circuit no later than the seventh business day after the title was filed with the county clerk. The challenger must notify the Columbia County Clerk’s Office in writing not later than 5:00 p.m. on the next business day following the day the petition for review is filed (ORS 250.195). This notice is published pursuant to ORS 250.175(5) by Debbie Klug, Columbia County Clerk.
levels is now dependent upon Federal bed rentals which are not guaranteed. Without a new levy rate of $0.79 per $1,000 of assessed value, the Jail will not be able to operate at current capacity leading to staff reductions, fewer jail beds, and a shift to a "book and release" model. A complete Jail closure is possible.
The proposed tax levy will fund continued operations through FY2027-2028, including constitutionally mandated healthcare for adults-in-custody, food services, clothing, and Jail management.
The estimated money raised will be $5,057,189, in FY2024-2025; $5,270,715 in FY2025-2026; $5,493,256 in FY2026-2027 and $5,725,194 in FY2027-2028, for a total estimated tax levy of $21,546,354.
Any elector of the district may file a petition for review of this ballot title in the Columbia County Circuit no later than the seventh business day after the title was filed with the county cler k The challenger must notify the Columbia County Clerk’s Office in writing not later than 5:00 p.m. on the next business day following the day the petition for review is filed (ORS 250.195).
This notice is published pursuant to ORS 250.175(5) by Debbie Klug, Columbia County Clerk.
WHEREFORE, notice hereby is given that the undersigned trustee will on October 10, 2024, at the hour of 10:00 A .M., in accord with the standard of time established by ORS 187.110, at the front steps of the Columbia County Courthouse, in the City of St. Helens, County of Columbia, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by grantor of said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or grantor's successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in ORS 86.753 has the right, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for the sale, to have this foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred) and by curing any other default complained of herein that is capable of being cured by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, and in addition to paying said sums or tendering the performance necessary to cure the default, by paying all costs and expenses actually incurred in enforcing the obligation and trust deed, together with trustee's and attorney's fees not exceed the amounts provided by said ORS 86.753.
In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word "grantor" includes any successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed, and the words "trustee" and "beneficiary" include their respective successors in interest, if any.
DATED August 7 , 2024 S/Stephen D. Petersen Stephen D. Petersen Successor Trustee
CC24-3029
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
The Clatskanie Planning Commission will meet for a regular meeting on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, upstairs in the Clatskanie Cultural Center. Agenda items
CC24-4000
include but are not limited to the following: Approval of the minutes of the April 24th, 2024, regular meeting; a Public Hearing will be held to review a request for the renewal of the approval of a subdivision of the lot located on Canyon Dr. (Tax Lot 7417-BB-00200). An updated agenda will be available at City Hall by Aug. 23rd, 2024. Please go to the city website, www.cityofclatskanie.com to access the link to attend the meeting on Zoom.
NOTICE OF BOARD VACANCIES
Northwest Regional Education Service District is seeking candidates interested in completing the remaining term of its Zone 4 board position. School boards within Zone 4 will vote for ESD board members by September 13, 2024. The newly elected board member will take their
CC24-3033
oath at our October 9, 2024 Board General Session and their term will end June 30, 2025. This position is based on the following school district residency zones: Zone 4: Beaverton (Sunset & Westview HS attendance areas), Clatskanie, Rainier, Scappoose, St Helens & Vernonia Candidates may apply online at www. nwresd.org under Board of Directors Elections. The deadline for applying is no later than August 20, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Northwest Regional ESD Superintendent’s Office at 503-6141401 or vwhite@nwresd. org.
NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING
The Clatskanie People’s Utility District Board of Directors has scheduled its next regular Board meeting for Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. This meeting will be held in the community room of the District’s administration
building, located at 495 E Columbia River Highway, Clatskanie. A Board Workshop will precede the meeting at 5:30 p.m. An executive session may be convened during either the workshop and/or the meeting, pursuant to ORS
192.660 (2)(f) information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection. For information on how to attend the meeting, please visit the District’s website at clatskaniepud. com or call CPUD at 503728-2163.
The Public Notice deadline is Fridays by 5 p.m. Late submissions are not guaranteed to make it into the paper.
Act now to secure summer food benefits
STAFF REPORT
Country Media, Inc.
As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now. Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon
ClatSkanie resident achieves Navy dream
From Page a1
then commissioned by the President of the United States via the United States Secretary of the Navy.
Long process
Young said that direct commission is a unique program. It is a reserve program for civilians or former enlistees with career work experience from which the Navy can benefit. Young said that typical vocations that enter the Navy through direct commission are doctors, lawyers, or people from the intelligence community. One area of increasing need is for PAOs. Young was among 13 applicants selected out of almost 70 civilian or previously enlisted applicants this year. PAOs are masters of communication, according to the Navy’s website, and they “defend the Navy’s fleet from misinformation and negative publicity.” For Young, finding a way to serve her country has been something she has explored since 2017. She finished her undergraduate degree in May of 2017, and she applied for an active duty commission in 2018 but was rejected. After not getting in, she said she focused on her career in communications. She now works as a Product Marketer at Portland General Electric. Fast forward to January
Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them. Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:
• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level Children in foster care
2023, when Young learned about the direct commission program, which rekindled her interest.
“I thought that the opportunity to serve my country had come and gone because I wasn’t going to enlist with the career that I have and the financial stability I have, but [this] would be like a reserve, and I would be an officer because I have a master’s degree too in writing,” Young said. “So, I started the application process in January 2023.”
Young missed the May application cut-off in 2023, but after passing her medical physical in the fall, Young turned in her complete application in May of this year. After a bevy of interviews and an extended vetting process, Young finally reached the goal she pursued for so long. Her new official title is ENS.
“I am an officer, and I’m going to be trained to lead units, and I am enlisted as a specialist, or technician, who is in charge of specific tasks that support the mission,” Young said. “That’s why it’s really competitive: it is quite a prestigious thing, and you’re bypassing a lot of hoops that other people had to jump through.”
Young will now take on a “boot camp” which is called Officer Development School. Young will continue working at Portland General Electric while she completes her training for her new position in the Navy and will be able to keep her job while serving in the Navy in a reserve capacity.
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Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer ebT Call Center at 833-oRe-SebT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply
also automatically received Summer EBT. However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that partici -
pate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility. Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or
contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORESEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.”
Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.
“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”
To learn more:
• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. • Visit sebt.oregon.gov.
Local ties
Now that she has been selected and commissioned, Young said she still feels “skeptical” about whether it will fall into place. Given the long journey to get to this point, Young said she doesn’t count her eggs before they’ve hatched, and even though she’s met with her unit virtually and met her commanding officer, she said she’s still not in any system yet. Young grew up in Rainier, but she became interested in the Navy because when she and her husband Luke got together, he was just leaving active duty on a submarine in
the Navy. Young has lived in Clatskanie since they bought a house, and she’s been involved on a variety of boards and commissions in town. Young said the Navy has had a big role in her life for the past decade, not only because of her husband but because of connections she made while working with Navy veterans at Port Westward through Portland General Electric.
“I tie a lot of my aspirations in the Navy with my husband and with the amazing men I met and worked with at Port Westward. Some of those men are local, and some of them have family on the Clatskanie
ACROSS
1. Command to Fido
6. Sheep not yet sheared
9. Cap and gown accessory
13. Blood line
14. Ancient Chinese dynasty
15. Ringworm
16. Driver’s license notation 17. Not outs
18. Like Cheerios
19. *Piece of football equipment required since 1943
21. *Peyton or Eli 23. Napkin spot 24. Eminem’s 2002 hit “____ Yourself” 25. Embargo 28. Feed storage cylinder
30. Like house from a kit 35. Greek god of love
37. Smokes
39. *Super Bowl I M.V.P. Bart ____
40. Taj Mahal locale
41. *Career rushing yards record holder
43. Equals s squared
44. Regretting
46. *Highest college football level: ____ Division I 47. Extend credit
Veterans Memorial,” Young said.
In addition to that, Young said there are members of her family who have served in the military, and being from the area, when they passed away, their names are on the Veterans Memorial as well. Each year, Young and her husband help clean up the memorial with the American Legion ahead of Memorial Day, so having the ceremony there made sense for Young. She didn’t want family or loved ones to travel for the momentous occasion.
“For all the emotional and symbolic reasons, as well as for logistical
reasons, the Clatskanie Veterans Memorial was the best place for me to commission,” Young said. Unfortunately, Young’s husband could not attend because he is deployed right now. Despite that, family members from her and her husband’s side of the family were there to support her. While her family’s support has been essential, the support of the community has also helped her along the way.
“Without my family and the community that I’m working in and a part of, it would not be possible for me to be a commissioned officer,” Young said.
48. *Seventeen games in NFL
50. Somewhat (2 words)
52. “Whatever Will Be, Will Be” singer
53. Mare’s baby
55. Not a friend
57. *55 of them
61. *Home of the NFL Hall of Fame
64. Hole-borer
65. For every
67. Color red on coat of arms
69. Birds of ill omen
70. Outrage
71. ____ ____ shopping cart
72. Party barrels
73. Sound from one of #69 Across
74. Homes for #69 Across DOWN
1. Down in the dumps
2. Cry of contempt
3. Marine eagle
4. Wake Island, e.g.
5. Kizmet, pl. 6. Foolish one
Even, poetic
Useful contraption
Lamborghini model
Unfavorable prefix
“As ____ on TV”
Suspend 15. Astrigents
“The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,” e.g.
Venomous Egyptian snake
Deducible
*One of 2 NFL founding teams still in league
Et alii, abbr.
*Like indoor eight-
Fishing decoy
Awestruck
Archery wood
“Ship, Captain, ____”
Cutlass or Delta 88, for short
Remaining after deductions
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nikole young during the ceremony with lieutenant Commander blake hendrick.
Flag football growing quickly in Oregon high schools
JERRy uLMER oSaatoday
It didn’t take long for girls flag football to take off in Oregon high schools.
After debuting in the spring of 2023 with eight teams, the sport blew up this year with 575 players from 32 schools. It is making steady progress toward being considered as an officially sanctioned OSAA sport.
Flag football has become wildly popular at some schools, with South Salem, St. Mary’s Academy and South Eugene fielding two teams each. It is proving to be a viable option for girls in the spring.
“They see it on Friday nights in the fall, and I think there was an interest in developing skills and understanding the game,” said South Salem coach DJ Correa, who also is the offensive coordinator for the boys team. “And it was a new opportunity. Everyone gets to start brand new when they show up on the field for the first time.” Flag football is living up to the high expectations of Rebecca Brisson, one of the league’s organizers.
“We kind of knew in our belly that this was going to be great and this was going to happen,” Brisson said. “We were very pleasantly surprised that it basically tripled from Year 1 to Year 2.” Gresham, a new team this
year, had nearly 40 players participate in tryouts. Coach Adam Meyer said the Gophers had to make cuts because the budget allowed for only 25 uniforms.
“That was really unfortunate after seeing all the interest, but it was great to see the interest,” said Meyer, who teaches at Gresham and is an assistant for Barlow’s boys team.
Flag football has met the threshold of 25 schools to be recognized by the OSAA as an emerging activity. It can earn that distinction in October when it comes up for vote at the next OSAA delegate assembly meeting. If it passes, flag football would remain as an emerging activity for two years. If it reaches 50 schools by the end of that period, then it would be eligible to be sanctioned by the OSAA.
“The plan is to have 50plus teams next spring and then go sanctioned,” Brisson said. “It’s growing like crazy.”
With her extensive football background, Brisson has been a catalyst for flag football’s growth in Oregon. The daughter of a high school football coach in Michigan, Brisson is a longtime high school football official and has owned the Portland Shockwave women’s tackle football team for more than two decades, including a 13year playing career.
Sarah Sowers of Nike contacted Brisson three years
ago to propose the idea of a girls flag league. They contacted the OSAA in the fall of 2022 and connected with athletic directors to get the ball rolling, buoyed by financial aid from Nike.
Brisson reached out to the state’s football officiating associations and organized a video meeting to review the flag football rulebook. The associations embraced flag football and have been working the games.
“It was so rewarding because so many times a lot of the officials would send me a note and email after games like, ‘The girls had so much fun, and I had so much fun, this is so great,’” Brisson said.
A large contingent of the
coaches come from the boys football teams and some are from other sports. To help get them up to speed on flag football, many joined a video call with USA National Team 15U assistant coach Matt Hernandez, a threetime state champion coach in Florida, where the sport has been sanctioned by the state association for the past two decades.
Eleven state associations have sanctioned flag football and 17 others are in various stages of pilot programs. California voted to sanction it last year and Colorado approved it this year. Washington voted it down in May when it failed to reach the 60-percent approval it needed to pass.
Flag football is a 7-on-7 game played on an 80-yard field and resembles the passing leagues that many boys teams play in the summer. Like boys football, some teams are run dominant, others prefer to air it out.
Oregon teams played a six-week schedule this year, with some teams getting as many as 10 games. The 32 teams were divided into eight geographic pods, with the top team from each pod advancing to the eight-team state tournament May 11 at the Nike campus in Beaverton.
South Salem defeated Tillamook 45-7, Banks 58-46 and Central Catholic 33-14 to take the title. Correa said the Saxons, who had 65 players in their program, took a major step forward from the first season.
“We saw a lot of improvement,” Correa said. “I saw the most improvement in just being comfortable on the field. I think the spatial awareness on a football field is something that takes about a season to get used to.”
Many flag football players pulled double duty during the season, either in high school spring sports or in club sports such as volleyball and soccer.
South Salem’s lineup included standouts from the volleyball (Malena Mathis, Briella Mathis) and basketball (Izzy Flores, Sadie Paterson) teams. The Saxons’ quarterback in the second half of the season was
freshman Leah Ioane, who competed in varsity track, basketball and volleyball during 2023-24.
Correa said winning the championship “meant a lot” to his players.
“It brought a lot of attention to what they could do on the football field, a place where they’re not normally recognized for their athletic achievements,” he said.
Correa enjoyed the experience, too.
“It’s the most fun I’ve had. I’d like to do it for a while,” he said. “I’m extremely hopeful that it becomes an OSAA sport.”
Gresham’s Meyer said his players “had a blast” this season.
“The very first night, I went home and told my wife, ‘This is really fun. This is really cool. The girls are just loving it,’” Meyer said. “I don’t know if it’s because it’s a new sport, or just something they haven’t been able to do, but it correlates with a lot of other sports. Between soccer and basketball, and other things like that, the girls just picked it up and really enjoyed it.”
Brisson was impressed with the intensity of the games.
“These girls were out there to play,” Brisson said. “It was not that traditional thought of powder puff, by any means. They were competitive and hyped up – play cards and the whole thing. It was just amazing.”
St. Helens Elks Lodge donates over $7,500 from Annual Car Show
SubMITTEd by THE ST. HELENS ELKS
LOdGE #1999
A summer tradition returned to St. Helens on July 13, 2024, when the St. Helens Elks Lodge #1999 proudly hosted its 16th Annual Car Show. Car enthusiasts from across the region gathered to celebrate a stunning lineup of vintage street rods, custom cars, hot pickups, and custom motorcycles. The event featured 46 awards sponsored by local merchants, with 19 judging classes and five spectator choice awards. The highlight of the show was the Best of Show Award, sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Centers in Scappoose
& St. Helens, which was awarded to a pristine 1964 Ford Falcon owned by Scott Orr of Warren. The Elks Exalted Ruler’s Award, sponsored by Emmert Motors, went to a stunning 1967 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible owned by Jason Smith of Longview, WA. Columbia County’s premier car club, the Highway 30 Cruisers, won the Club Participation Award, sponsored by Sunset Auto Parts NAPA. Attendees also enjoyed dozens of raffle prizes, with top prizes provided by Pacific Stainless, PSP Powder Coating, and Serenity Now Massage. During the show, the title sponsor, Les Schwab, demonstrated a tire rotation and wheel inspection on-site in less than 10
minutes, impressing the crowd with their efficiency.
Guests were treated to breakfast and lunch on-site, and the air-conditioned St. Helens Elks Lodge provided a comfortable respite from the mid-day heat. Spectator transportation was generously provided by Columbia County Rider, and traffic management equipment was supplied by the Columbia County Road Department.
Over $7,500 in proceeds from the event will benefit the Elks Youth Eye Service, with the primary benefactor being the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic at OHSU.
For more information about the Elks and how to join, please visit DiscoverElks.org.
league stepping up.
“It shows that other people in our community can participate and help out also,” Beardsley said. “They represent, and people follow suit. When somebody’s the
first person in, and this is something that stands out in our community, then other people want to join in and help out too, so we can reach more veterans in need.” The representatives of the veterans groups said there are a lot of veterans in Columbia County, and they are thankful for the support that comes from the community. Beardsley said that they want to make sure they are serving not just veterans in need but
all veterans in the county. She said that just because they have stopped serving in the military doesn’t mean they’ve stopped serving in the community. “I think anyway that we can honor veterans through these types of programs, it behooves us to continue that service, and serving other veterans too,” Kathy Antonich said. “Just know they’re not forgotten, and their service is much appreciated.” St. HelenS bowlers
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overhead view of the St. helens elks lodge #1999’s 16th annual Car Show.
Courtesy photo
marianne hirning, Clatskanie library Director, proudly served as the Grand marshal for this year’s Clatskanie Festival. The weekend was a big success, according to organizer lori Sherman, who deemed it the “best festival yet.”